CVE-2020-7251 Explained : Impact and Mitigation
Learn about CVE-2020-7251, an access control vulnerability in McAfee Endpoint Security (ENS) allowing local users to disable security features. Find mitigation steps and impact details.
A vulnerability in McAfee Endpoint Security (ENS) allows local users to disable security features via unauthorized use of the configuration tool from older versions of ENS.
Understanding CVE-2020-7251
This CVE involves an improper access control vulnerability in the Configuration Tool of McAfee Endpoint Security (ENS) before the 10.6.1 February 2020 update.
What is CVE-2020-7251?
CVE-2020-7251 is a vulnerability that enables local users to bypass security features by exploiting an access control issue in the Configuration Tool of McAfee Endpoint Security (ENS) prior to the 10.6.1 February 2020 update.
The Impact of CVE-2020-7251
The vulnerability has a CVSS base score of 5, with medium severity. It poses a high risk to confidentiality and a low risk to integrity, requiring low privileges and user interaction for exploitation.
Technical Details of CVE-2020-7251
This section provides more in-depth technical insights into the CVE.
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability allows local users to disable security features by misusing the Configuration Tool in McAfee Endpoint Security (ENS) versions before 10.6.1 February 2020 update.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Product: McAfee Endpoint Security (ENS)
- Vendor: McAfee, LLC
- Versions Affected: Up to 10.6.x (specifically versions less than 10.6.1 February 2020 update)
Exploitation Mechanism
- Attack Complexity: High
- Attack Vector: Local
- Privileges Required: Low
- User Interaction: Required
- Scope: Unchanged
- Confidentiality Impact: High
- Integrity Impact: Low
- Availability Impact: None
Mitigation and Prevention
Protecting systems from CVE-2020-7251 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.
Immediate Steps to Take
- Update McAfee Endpoint Security (ENS) to version 10.6.1 February 2020 update or later.
- Monitor and restrict access to the Configuration Tool.
- Educate users on the risks of unauthorized tool usage.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update security software and patches.
- Implement least privilege access controls.
- Conduct security training for employees on best practices.
- Perform regular security audits and assessments.
Patching and Updates
- Ensure all systems are updated to McAfee Endpoint Security (ENS) version 10.6.1 February 2020 update or newer to mitigate the vulnerability.