CVE-2021-23892: mcafee endpoint_security_for_linux_threat_prevention Link Following

Vulnerability summary

CVE-2021-23892 is a high (CVSS 8.2) Link Following vulnerability in mcafee endpoint_security_for_linux_threat_prevention. EPSS estimates a 0.19% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days, higher than 8.6% of scored vulnerabilities.

Timeline

1. 12-05-2021
   PublishedVulnerability first disclosed.
2. 03-08-2024
   Last modifiedVulnerability information updated.

Description

By exploiting a time of check to time of use (TOCTOU) race condition during the Endpoint Security for Linux Threat Prevention and Firewall (ENSL TP/FW) installation process, a local user can perform a privilege escalation attack to obtain administrator privileges for the purpose of executing arbitrary code through insecure use of predictable temporary file locations.

• CWE-59Improper Link Resolution Before File Access ('Link Following')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.
• CWE-367Time-of-check Time-of-use (TOCTOU) Race ConditionThe product checks the state of a resource before using that resource, but the resource's state can change between the check and the use in a way that invalidates the results of the check.