CVE-2020-7343 in McAfee
Summary
by MITRE • 01/19/2021
Missing Authorization vulnerability in McAfee Agent (MA) for Windows prior to 5.7.1 allows local users to block McAfee product updates by manipulating a directory used by MA for temporary files. The product would continue to function with out-of-date detection files.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/15/2021
The CVE-2020-7343 vulnerability represents a critical missing authorization flaw within McAfee Agent version 5.7.1 and earlier for Windows systems. This vulnerability specifically targets the directory structure used by the McAfee Agent for temporary file operations, creating a pathway for local attackers to manipulate system components without proper authentication. The flaw stems from inadequate access controls that fail to validate user permissions when accessing temporary directories, allowing unauthorized local users to interfere with the software update process. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the local privilege level, meaning any user with access to the system can potentially exploit this weakness without requiring elevated administrative credentials.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the manipulation of temporary file directories that McAfee Agent uses during its normal operations. When the agent processes updates or performs routine maintenance tasks, it relies on specific directory structures to store temporary files and configuration data. Local users who can write to these directories can potentially block or corrupt update processes by modifying or deleting critical temporary files. This manipulation prevents the McAfee Agent from properly downloading or installing updated detection signatures, leaving systems vulnerable to threats that the outdated signature database cannot detect. The vulnerability is classified as a privilege escalation issue under CWE-284, which specifically addresses improper access control mechanisms in software systems.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple update blocking, as it creates a persistent security gap where systems remain protected by outdated threat intelligence. Organizations utilizing affected McAfee Agent versions face significant risk because their endpoint protection systems continue to function but with compromised detection capabilities. This scenario creates a false sense of security while leaving systems exposed to known malware variants that would normally be detected by current signature databases. The vulnerability affects the availability and integrity of security services, as the McAfee Agent cannot properly maintain its threat intelligence, potentially allowing malicious actors to exploit this window of vulnerability. This weakness directly impacts the ATT&CK technique T1070.004 for Indicator Removal on Host and T1566.001 for Phishing, as compromised systems cannot effectively detect or respond to these threats.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-7343 require immediate deployment of McAfee Agent version 5.7.1 or later, which includes proper authorization checks for temporary directory access. Organizations should also implement monitoring of temporary file directories to detect unauthorized modifications and establish baseline configurations that restrict write permissions for these critical locations. System administrators should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify all systems running affected McAfee Agent versions and ensure proper patch management procedures are in place. Additionally, implementing least privilege access controls and regular security audits of temporary directories can help prevent exploitation of similar authorization flaws. The remediation process should include verification that the updated McAfee Agent properly enforces access controls and that update mechanisms function correctly after patch implementation.