CVE-2021-31849 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

A SQL injection vulnerability was discovered in the McAfee Data Loss Prevention (DLP) ePO extension prior to version 11.7.100, allowing a remote attacker with administrator privileges to inject arbitrary SQL commands into the ePO database.

Understanding CVE-2021-31849

This CVE refers to a security flaw in the McAfee Data Loss Prevention (DLP) ePO extension that could be exploited by an authenticated attacker to perform SQL injection attacks.

What is CVE-2021-31849?

The vulnerability in the McAfee Data Loss Prevention (DLP) ePO extension before version 11.7.100 enables a malicious actor logged into the ePO as an administrator to manipulate the database through the user management section.

The Impact of CVE-2021-31849

With a CVSS base score of 8.4 (High), the vulnerability poses a significant risk. An attacker could compromise the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the ePO database, potentially leading to unauthorized access or data loss.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-31849

The following technical details shed light on the specific aspects of the vulnerability:

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability allows a remote attacker logged into the ePolicy Orchestrator (ePO) as an administrator to execute arbitrary SQL commands through the user management functionality of the DLP ePO extension.

Affected Systems and Versions

McAfee Data Loss Prevention (DLP) ePO extension versions less than 11.7.100 and 11.6.400 are impacted by this vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

An attacker with high privileges can exploit this vulnerability by injecting SQL commands via the user management section of the DLP ePO extension.

Mitigation and Prevention

To safeguard systems from potential exploitation of this vulnerability, the following actions are recommended:

Immediate Steps to Take

Upgrade the McAfee Data Loss Prevention (DLP) ePO extension to version 11.7.100 or higher to eliminate the SQL injection risk.
Monitor access to the ePO console and user activities to detect any unauthorized SQL injection attempts.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement strong access controls and user permissions within the ePolicy Orchestrator to limit the impact of potential SQL injection attacks.
Regularly update and patch the DLP ePO extension to address security vulnerabilities and enhance protection.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories from McAfee and promptly apply patches or updates to mitigate known vulnerabilities in the McAfee Data Loss Prevention (DLP) ePO extension.