CVE-2019-3663 : Security Advisory and Response

A critical vulnerability in McAfee Advanced Threat Defense (ATD) before version 4.8 allows local attackers to access the root password, posing a significant security risk.

Understanding CVE-2019-3663

This CVE involves the Unprotected Storage of Credentials vulnerability in McAfee ATD, leading to a critical security issue.

What is CVE-2019-3663?

The vulnerability in McAfee Advanced Threat Defense (ATD) before version 4.8 allows local attackers to obtain the root password by accessing sensitive files on the affected system.

The Impact of CVE-2019-3663

Initial assessment rated it as High CVSS, later upgraded to Critical due to the severity of the issue
All instances of ATD before version 4.8 share the same root password

Technical Details of CVE-2019-3663

This section provides detailed technical insights into the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The Unprotected Storage of Credentials vulnerability in McAfee ATD allows local attackers to gain access to the root password through sensitive file access.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Advanced Threat Defense (ATD)
Vendor: McAfee
Versions affected: Prior to 4.8

Exploitation Mechanism

Attack Complexity: Low
Attack Vector: Network
Impact: High availability, confidentiality, and integrity
Privileges Required: None
Scope: Unchanged
User Interaction: None

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from this vulnerability is crucial for maintaining security.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update McAfee ATD to version 4.8 or above
Monitor system logs for any unauthorized access attempts

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement strong access controls and permissions
Regularly review and update security policies

Patching and Updates

Apply security patches and updates promptly to address known vulnerabilities