McAfee Agent for Windows: Improper Link Resolution Before File Access
CVE-2022-1256 is a high-severity improper link resolution before file access vulnerability in McAfee Agent for Windows from McAfee, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.8 out of 10. It can be exploited with local access to the system by an attacker with a low-privileged account, without any action from a user. The record lists version 5.7.6 as the first without the flaw, so updating McAfee Agent for Windows to that release or later removes the exposure. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.26% chance of exploitation within 30 days, which is low compared with other CVEs.
High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.
What to do
- Update McAfee Agent for Windows to 5.7.6 or a later version.
- Update Agent to 5.7.6 or a later version.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| McAfee | McAfee Agent for Windows | before 5.7.6 | 5.7.6 |
| McAfee | Agent | before 5.7.6 | 5.7.6 |
Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.
How the severity score breaks down
- Attack vector
- LocalThe attacker needs local access or must trick a user into running something.
- Attack complexity
- LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
- Privileges required
- LowA basic user account is enough.
- User interaction
- NoneNo action by a victim is required.
- Scope
- UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
- Confidentiality
- HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
- Integrity
- HighData or code can be modified at will.
- Availability
- HighThe component can be taken down completely.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by NVD.
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 3.1 | 7.8 | High | CNA (trellix.com) |
| CVSS 3.1 | 7.8 | High | NVD |
| CVSS 2.0 | 7.2 | High | NVD |
Official description
A local privilege escalation vulnerability in MA for Windows prior to 5.7.6 allows a local low privileged user to gain system privileges through running the repair functionality. Temporary file actions were performed on the local user's %TEMP% directory with System privileges through manipulation of symbolic links.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Improper Link Resolution Before File Access
The product attempts to access a file based on the filename, but it does not properly prevent that filename from identifying a link or shortcut that resolves to an unintended resource.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Follow the principle of least privilege when assigning access rights to entities in a software system. Denying access to a file can prevent an attacker from replacing that file with a link to a sensitive file. Ensure good compartmentalization in the system to provide protected areas that can be trusted.
More Improper Link Resolution Before File Access vulnerabilities (CWE-59)
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Other references
Other vulnerabilities in McAfee Agent for Windows
- 7.8 High severity
Recent Improper Link Resolution Before File Access vulnerabilities
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.3 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 7.1 High severity
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