CVE-2020-7311 Explained : Impact and Mitigation
Learn about CVE-2020-7311, a Privilege Escalation vulnerability in McAfee Agent (MA) for Windows allowing local users to gain SYSTEM rights. Find mitigation steps and preventive measures here.
A Privilege Escalation vulnerability in the installer in McAfee Agent (MA) for Windows prior to 5.6.6 allows local users to assume SYSTEM rights during the installation of MA via manipulation of log files.
Understanding CVE-2020-7311
This CVE involves a Privilege Escalation vulnerability in McAfee Agent (MA) for Windows.
What is CVE-2020-7311?
CVE-2020-7311 is a Privilege Escalation vulnerability in the installer of McAfee Agent (MA) for Windows versions prior to 5.6.6. It enables local users to gain SYSTEM rights by manipulating log files during the installation process.
The Impact of CVE-2020-7311
The vulnerability has a CVSS base score of 7.8, indicating a high severity level. The impact includes high confidentiality, integrity, and availability impacts, with a changed scope and a requirement of low privileges for exploitation.
Technical Details of CVE-2020-7311
This section provides more in-depth technical insights into the CVE.
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability in the installer of McAfee Agent (MA) for Windows before version 5.6.6 allows local users to escalate privileges to SYSTEM during the installation process by tampering with log files.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Product: MA for Windows
- Vendor: McAfee LLC
- Versions Affected: < 5.6.6
Exploitation Mechanism
The vulnerability can be exploited locally by manipulating log files during the installation of McAfee Agent (MA) for Windows.
Mitigation and Prevention
Protecting systems from CVE-2020-7311 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.
Immediate Steps to Take
- Update McAfee Agent (MA) for Windows to version 5.6.6 or newer to mitigate the vulnerability.
- Monitor and restrict access to log files to prevent unauthorized manipulation.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Implement the principle of least privilege to restrict user access rights.
- Regularly review and update security configurations to address potential vulnerabilities.
Patching and Updates
- Apply security patches and updates provided by McAfee to ensure the latest protection against vulnerabilities.