CVE-2020-7274 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

A privilege escalation vulnerability in McAfee Endpoint Security (ENS) allows local users to spawn unrelated processes with elevated privileges.

Understanding CVE-2020-7274

This CVE involves a flaw in McAfee Endpoint Security (ENS) that enables privilege escalation for local users.

What is CVE-2020-7274?

The vulnerability in McTray.exe in McAfee ENS for Windows before version 10.7.0 April 2020 Update permits local users to create processes with elevated privileges by exploiting McTray.exe's default user privilege settings.

The Impact of CVE-2020-7274

The vulnerability has a CVSS base score of 6.6, indicating a medium severity issue with high confidentiality impact and low integrity impact. It requires low privileges and user interaction, with a changed scope.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-7274

This section delves into the technical aspects of the CVE.

Vulnerability Description

The flaw in McTray.exe in McAfee ENS allows local users to escalate privileges by leveraging the default user privilege settings.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: McAfee Endpoint Security (ENS)
Vendor: McAfee LLC
Versions Affected: < 10.7.0 April 2020 Update

Exploitation Mechanism

Attack Complexity: High
Attack Vector: Local
Privileges Required: Low
User Interaction: Required
Scope: Changed
Availability Impact: Low

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2020-7274 is crucial to maintaining security.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update McAfee ENS to version 10.7.0 April 2020 Update or later.
Monitor system activity for any unauthorized processes.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement the principle of least privilege for user accounts.
Regularly review and adjust user privileges based on job requirements.

Patching and Updates

Apply security patches and updates promptly to address known vulnerabilities in McAfee ENS.