McAfee ePolicy Orchestrator Arbitrary File Upload Scanner

McAfee ePolicy Orchestrator (ePO) is widely used by enterprises to manage and enforce security policies across their IT infrastructure. It provides centralized control and allows for the deployment of security updates, configuration changes, and monitoring of security alerts. The platform is used by IT administrators to ensure compliance with organizational security standards. It is especially useful in environments with a large number of devices, as it simplifies the process of keeping security measures up-to-date. The software also integrates with various McAfee and third-party security products to provide a comprehensive security management solution. Overall, McAfee ePO is an essential tool for organizations that prioritize security management and automation.

The Arbitrary File Upload vulnerability in McAfee ePO is a serious security flaw that allows attackers to upload malicious files. This vulnerability, known as ZipSlip, arises when file names within compressed archives are not properly sanitized during extraction. By exploiting this flaw, attackers can upload files with ".." in their names, allowing them to navigate directories and place files in unintended locations. This ability can be used to overwrite critical files or place executables in directories that enable them to run automatically, effectively compromising the target system. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous as it can lead to further exploitation, such as executing arbitrary code or gaining elevated privileges on the affected systems.

The technical details of this vulnerability lie in how McAfee ePO handles archived files. When an archive containing files with path traversal characters (such as "..") is extracted, the file paths are not adequately validated. This oversight enables the placement of files in directories outside of the intended target location. For example, an attacker could craft a malicious archive where files are named to traverse back through the directory structure and then descend into sensitive directories to place or overwrite important files. This weakness requires that the attacker can supply the archive to be unpacked by the ePO system, typically through social engineering or exploiting another vulnerability that allows upload.

If exploited, the Arbitrary File Upload vulnerability in McAfee ePO can have several negative effects. Successful exploitation can result in unauthorized file placement, potentially leading to unauthorized code execution if the placed files are executables. Attackers could also replace legitimate files, leading to service disruptions or the introduction of backdoors into the system. The vulnerability can further be leveraged to escalate privileges or exfiltrate sensitive information, significantly compromising the security posture of the affected organization. The ripple effects of such an exploit could extend to network-wide vulnerabilities, as the ePO is often used to administer security across numerous endpoints.

REFERENCES

• https://swarm.ptsecurity.com/vulnerabilities-in-mcafee-epolicy-orchestrator/