CVE-2022-0859 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

A local attacker exploiting a vulnerability in McAfee ePolicy Orchestrator (ePO) prior to version 5.10 CU 13 can redirect an ePO server to an arbitrary SQL server during server restoration.

Understanding CVE-2022-0859

This CVE involves a flaw in McAfee Enterprise ePolicy Orchestrator (ePO) that allows unauthorized redirection of an ePO server to a malicious SQL server.

What is CVE-2022-0859?

McAfee ePolicy Orchestrator (ePO) versions earlier than 5.10 CU 13 are susceptible to a security issue where a local attacker with admin privileges can manipulate the restoration process to point the ePO server to an unauthorized SQL server by knowing the SQL password.

The Impact of CVE-2022-0859

The vulnerability carries a CVSS base score of 6.5, indicating a medium severity threat. It poses a high risk to confidentiality, integrity, and availability, requiring high privileges and user interaction for exploitation.

Technical Details of CVE-2022-0859

This section details the specifics of the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The issue arises during the restoration of McAfee ePolicy Orchestrator (ePO) servers, allowing a local attacker to redirect the server to an arbitrary SQL server.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability affects McAfee ePolicy Orchestrator (ePO) installations prior to version 5.10 CU 13.

Exploitation Mechanism

To exploit this vulnerability, the attacker needs to be logged onto the server hosting the ePO server, restricted to administrators, and possess knowledge of the SQL server password.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting against CVE-2022-0859 involves immediate actions and long-term security measures.

Immediate Steps to Take

It is crucial to update McAfee ePolicy Orchestrator (ePO) to version 5.10 CU 13 or later. Additionally, limit administrator access to servers and regularly monitor authentication logs.

Long-Term Security Practices

Employ strong password policies, implement network segmentation, and conduct regular security training for staff members to enhance overall security posture.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates from McAfee and promptly apply patches to address known vulnerabilities.