CVE-2023-40352 in Safe Connect
Summary
by MITRE • 08/21/2023
McAfee Safe Connect before 2.16.1.126 may allow an adversary with system privileges to achieve privilege escalation by loading arbitrary DLLs.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/27/2026
McAfee Safe Connect represents a network security solution designed to protect endpoints through various security controls including network access protection and threat prevention mechanisms. The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-40352 affects versions prior to 2.16.1.126 and specifically targets the software's dynamic link library loading mechanism. This flaw exists within the application's handling of shared library dependencies during runtime execution, creating a path for malicious actors to manipulate the software's behavior through unauthorized code injection.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of dynamic library paths and loading procedures within the McAfee Safe Connect application. When the software attempts to load required DLL components, it fails to properly verify the authenticity and integrity of these modules before execution. This weakness allows an attacker with system-level privileges to place malicious DLL files in strategic locations where the application will load them automatically. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-427 Uncontrolled Search Path Element, which describes how applications fail to properly control the search paths used for loading dynamic libraries. The flaw enables adversaries to achieve privilege escalation by exploiting the application's trust in its own library loading mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution as it fundamentally undermines the security posture of systems running vulnerable versions of McAfee Safe Connect. An attacker who gains system privileges can leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code with the elevated privileges of the running application, potentially compromising the entire endpoint. This escalation capability creates a significant risk for enterprise environments where McAfee Safe Connect is deployed across multiple systems, as a single compromised endpoint could serve as a foothold for broader network infiltration. The vulnerability affects the integrity of the security solution itself, potentially allowing attackers to bypass the very protections that the software is designed to provide.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-40352 focus primarily on updating to the patched version 2.16.1.126 or later, which addresses the insecure dynamic library loading behavior. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management processes to ensure all instances of McAfee Safe Connect are updated promptly. Additional defensive measures include monitoring for unauthorized DLL placement in system directories and implementing application control policies that restrict which libraries can be loaded by the application. The vulnerability's classification under ATT&CK technique T1059.007 Command and Scripting Interpreter suggests that attackers may use this privilege escalation vector to establish persistent access through malicious scripts or binaries. System administrators should also consider implementing least privilege principles and restricting system-level access to prevent unauthorized users from exploiting the vulnerability's escalation capabilities.