Description Preview
A privilege escalation vulnerability exists in McAfee Web Gateway (MWG) versions prior to 9.2.1. This vulnerability, identified as CVE-2020-7296, allows authenticated user interface users to access protected configuration files due to improper access control mechanisms in the user interface. By exploiting this vulnerability, attackers could potentially gain unauthorized access to sensitive configuration data, which could lead to further system compromise or information disclosure.
Overview
This vulnerability (CVE-2020-7296) is categorized as CWE-287 (Improper Authentication). The issue affects McAfee Web Gateway (MWG) deployments prior to version 9.2.1. The vulnerability stems from improper access control in the user interface that fails to properly restrict authenticated users from accessing protected configuration files. This could allow users with limited privileges to access sensitive configuration data they should not have permission to view or modify. Successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive information, potential system reconfiguration, or serve as a stepping stone for further attacks.
Remediation
To address this vulnerability, organizations should:
- Update McAfee Web Gateway to version 9.2.1 or later as soon as possible.
- If immediate patching is not possible, implement the following temporary mitigations:
- Limit user interface access to only necessary and trusted personnel
- Monitor user activities on the McAfee Web Gateway administration interface
- Regularly audit configuration changes
- After patching, verify that access controls are properly enforced by testing user permissions.
- Review system logs for any signs of unauthorized access to configuration files that may indicate previous exploitation.
References
- McAfee Security Bulletin SB10323: https://kc.mcafee.com/corporate/index?page=content&id=SB10323
- MITRE CWE-287 (Improper Authentication): https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/287.html
- McAfee Web Gateway Documentation: https://docs.mcafee.com/bundle/web-gateway-9.2.x-product-guide/page/GUID-946C7FE6-C527-4D92-9B1C-FD11F7FD31D3.html
Industry ExposureMost to leastThis section illustrates the prevalence of a specific Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) across various industries based on customer reports. The ranking displays industries from the most to least affected by this particular vulnerability, offering valuable insight into where this CVE has been most frequently observed. This information can help organizations within these sectors prioritize their security efforts, understand their relative risk exposure compared to their peers, and focus remediation strategies where they are most needed. By understanding the industry-specific impact, organizations can make more informed decisions regarding patching, resource allocation, and overall risk management related to this CVE.
This section illustrates the prevalence of a specific Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) across various industries based on customer reports. The ranking displays industries from the most to least affected by this particular vulnerability, offering valuable insight into where this CVE has been most frequently observed. This information can help organizations within these sectors prioritize their security efforts, understand their relative risk exposure compared to their peers, and focus remediation strategies where they are most needed. By understanding the industry-specific impact, organizations can make more informed decisions regarding patching, resource allocation, and overall risk management related to this CVE.
- Accommodation & Food ServicesAccommodation & Food Services
- Administrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation ServicesAdministrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation Services
- Agriculture, Forestry Fishing & HuntingAgriculture, Forestry Fishing & Hunting
- Arts, Entertainment & RecreationArts, Entertainment & Recreation
- ConstructionConstruction
- Educational ServicesEducational Services
- Finance and InsuranceFinance and Insurance
- Health Care & Social AssistanceHealth Care & Social Assistance
- InformationInformation
- Management of Companies & EnterprisesManagement of Companies & Enterprises
- ManufacturingManufacturing
- MiningMining
- Other Services (except Public Administration)Other Services (except Public Administration)
- Professional, Scientific, & Technical ServicesProfessional, Scientific, & Technical Services
- Public AdministrationPublic Administration
- Real Estate Rental & LeasingReal Estate Rental & Leasing
- Retail TradeRetail Trade
- Transportation & WarehousingTransportation & Warehousing
- UtilitiesUtilities
- Wholesale TradeWholesale Trade