CVE-2020-7280
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a local privilege escalation vulnerability in McAfee Virus Scan Enterprise (VSE) where attackers can manipulate symbolic links during daily DAT updates to delete or create files they shouldn't have access to. It affects local users on systems running vulnerable VSE versions. The exploitation requires precise timing and local access.
💻 Affected Systems
- McAfee Virus Scan Enterprise (VSE)
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Local attackers gain SYSTEM/root privileges, enabling complete system compromise, data theft, malware persistence, or disabling security controls.
Likely Case
Local users escalate privileges to administrative levels, potentially installing additional malware or accessing sensitive files.
If Mitigated
With proper patch management and least privilege principles, impact is limited to isolated systems with minimal data exposure.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires local user access and precise timing during DAT updates. Symbolic link manipulation is a known attack vector.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: VSE 8.8 Patch 15 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://kc.mcafee.com/corporate/index?page=content&id=SB10302
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Download VSE 8.8 Patch 15 or later from McAfee support portal. 2. Deploy patch to all affected systems. 3. Restart systems to complete installation. 4. Verify patch installation through McAfee ePO or local version check.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable automatic DAT updates
windowsPrevents the vulnerable update process from running automatically
Configure through McAfee ePolicy Orchestrator or local VSE console to disable automatic DAT updates
Restrict symbolic link creation
windowsLimit ability to create symbolic links through Windows security policy
Configure via Group Policy: Computer Configuration > Windows Settings > Security Settings > Local Policies > User Rights Assignment > Create symbolic links
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict least privilege principles to limit local user access
- Monitor for suspicious file creation/deletion activities during DAT update windows
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check McAfee VSE version: Open VSE console > Help > About. If version is earlier than 8.8 Patch 15, system is vulnerable.Check Version:
Check registry: reg query "HKLM\SOFTWARE\McAfee\DesktopProtection" /v ProductVersionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify VSE version is 8.8 Patch 15 or later. Check patch installation logs in McAfee ePO or Windows Event Viewer.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual file creation/deletion during DAT update times
- Multiple failed privilege escalation attempts
- Symbolic link creation by non-admin users
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections following DAT updates
- Lateral movement attempts from previously low-privilege accounts
SIEM Query:
EventID=4688 AND (ProcessName LIKE '%mcafee%' OR ProcessName LIKE '%vse%') AND CommandLine CONTAINS 'update' AND ParentProcess NOT IN (admin_processes)