CVE-2019-3648 : Security Advisory and Response

McAfee Total Protection 16.0.R22 and earlier versions are vulnerable to Privilege Escalation, allowing administrators to execute arbitrary code on Microsoft Windows clients.

Understanding CVE-2019-3648

This CVE involves the implicit loading of DLLs in McAfee Total Protection, potentially leading to Privilege Escalation.

What is CVE-2019-3648?

A Privilege Escalation vulnerability in McAfee Total Protection allows administrators to run arbitrary code by placing malicious files in specific protected areas.

The Impact of CVE-2019-3648

CVSS Base Score: 6.1 (Medium Severity)
Attack Vector: Local
Attack Complexity: High
Integrity Impact: High
Privileges Required: High
Scope: Changed
Availability Impact: Low
Confidentiality Impact: None
User Interaction: None

Technical Details of CVE-2019-3648

This section provides detailed technical information about the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability allows administrators to execute arbitrary code by strategically placing malicious files in specific locations protected by administrator permission.

Affected Systems and Versions

Affected Product: McAfee Total Protection
Vendor: McAfee, LLC
Affected Versions: < 16.0.R22 Refresh 1

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability arises from the implicit loading of DLLs in McAfee Total Protection, enabling Privilege Escalation on Microsoft Windows clients.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2019-3648 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update McAfee Total Protection to a non-vulnerable version.
Monitor for any suspicious activities on the network.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement the principle of least privilege for user accounts.
Regularly review and update security configurations.

Patching and Updates

Apply security patches provided by McAfee to address the vulnerability.