CVE-2021-23872 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis
Learn about CVE-2021-23872, a Privilege Escalation vulnerability in McAfee Total Protection (MTP) allowing local users to gain elevated privileges. Find out the impact, technical details, and mitigation steps.
A Privilege Escalation vulnerability in the File Lock component of McAfee Total Protection (MTP) prior to version 16.0.32 has been identified, allowing a local user to gain elevated privileges by manipulating a symbolic link in the IOCTL interface.
Understanding CVE-2021-23872
This CVE pertains to a Privilege Escalation vulnerability in McAfee Total Protection (MTP) that poses a significant security risk if left unaddressed.
What is CVE-2021-23872?
The CVE-2021-23872 vulnerability involves improper handling of symbolic links in the File Lock component of McAfee Total Protection (MTP) versions prior to 16.0.32, enabling local users to escalate their privileges.
The Impact of CVE-2021-23872
With a CVSS base score of 7.8, this vulnerability has a high severity level. It can be exploited by local attackers to elevate their privileges, potentially leading to unauthorized access and manipulation of sensitive data.
Technical Details of CVE-2021-23872
This section provides detailed technical insights into the vulnerability.
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability lies in the File Lock component of McAfee Total Protection (MTP) before version 16.0.32, where local users can abuse symbolic links in the IOCTL interface to gain elevated privileges.
Affected Systems and Versions
McAfee Total Protection (MTP) versions prior to 16.0.32 are affected by this vulnerability. Users with these versions are at risk of privilege escalation attacks.
Exploitation Mechanism
Local attackers can exploit this vulnerability by manipulating symbolic links in the IOCTL interface of McAfee Total Protection (MTP) versions less than 16.0.32.
Mitigation and Prevention
To safeguard systems from CVE-2021-23872, immediate actions and long-term security practices are vital.
Immediate Steps to Take
Users should update McAfee Total Protection (MTP) to version 16.0.32 or newer to mitigate the vulnerability. Implementing the latest security patches is crucial.
Long-Term Security Practices
Regularly updating security software, monitoring for security advisories, and maintaining least privilege access are key practices to enhance overall security posture.
Patching and Updates
Stay informed about security updates released by McAfee, especially for McAfee Total Protection (MTP), to ensure protection against known vulnerabilities.