CVE-2018-6703 : Security Advisory and Response
Learn about CVE-2018-6703, a critical Use After Free vulnerability in McAfee Agent (MA) 5.x versions before 5.6.0, allowing remote attackers to trigger a DoS attack and potentially execute malicious code.
A vulnerability known as "Use After Free" has been identified in the remote logging feature of McAfee Agent (MA) 5.x prior to version 5.6.0. By default, this feature is disabled. Exploiting this vulnerability, remote attackers without authentication can trigger a Denial of Service (DoS) attack and potentially execute malicious code by sending a specifically crafted HTTP header to the logging service of the affected software.
Understanding CVE-2018-6703
This CVE involves a critical vulnerability in the remote logging functionality of McAfee Agent (MA) 5.x versions prior to 5.6.0.
What is CVE-2018-6703?
The vulnerability identified as "Use After Free" in the remote logging feature of McAfee Agent (MA) 5.x versions before 5.6.0 allows unauthenticated remote attackers to launch a Denial of Service (DoS) attack and potentially execute malicious code.
The Impact of CVE-2018-6703
The impact of this vulnerability is critical, with a CVSS base score of 9.8 (Critical). The potential consequences include high confidentiality, integrity, and availability impacts, with no privileges required for exploitation.
Technical Details of CVE-2018-6703
This section provides more detailed technical information about the vulnerability.
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability involves a "Use After Free" issue in the remote logging functionality of McAfee Agent (MA) 5.x versions prior to 5.6.0.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Product: McAfee Agent
- Vendor: McAfee, LLC
- Versions Affected: 5.x (specifically versions less than 5.6.0)
Exploitation Mechanism
- Attack Complexity: Low
- Attack Vector: Network
- Availability Impact: High
- Confidentiality Impact: High
- Integrity Impact: High
- Privileges Required: None
- User Interaction: None
- Scope: Unchanged
Mitigation and Prevention
To address CVE-2018-6703, the following steps can be taken:
Immediate Steps to Take
- Ensure remote logging is disabled (default setting).
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update McAfee Agent to the latest version.
- Implement network security measures to prevent unauthorized access.
Patching and Updates
- Apply the necessary patches provided by McAfee to fix the vulnerability.