CVE-2021-31843 Improper access control vulnerability in McAfee ENS for Windows

High 7.3 Published 17 Sep 2021 Updated 3 Aug 2024

Local attackers can read restricted files by manipulating junction links to redirect McAfee Endpoint Security folder operations.

Exploited in the wild: Not known
Login needed: Any signed-in user
Attackable: Local or same network only
Victim action needed: A user has to click or open something
Fix: None listed

What is CVE-2021-31843?

CVE-2021-31843 is a high-severity path traversal vulnerability in McAfee,LLC McAfee Endpoint Security (ENS) for WIndows, published on 17 Sep 2021. It can only be exploited from the same machine or local network, and only if a user opens a file or follows a link.

Official description

Improper privileges management vulnerability in McAfee Endpoint Security (ENS) Windows prior to 10.7.0 September 2021 Update allows local users to access files which they would otherwise not have access to via manipulating junction links to redirect McAfee folder operations to an unintended location.

Weakness: CWE-59

Which versions are affected by CVE-2021-31843?

It affects 1 product.

Products include Mcafee Endpoint Security.

How do I fix CVE-2021-31843?

No fix has been published for CVE-2021-31843 yet. Limit exposure of the affected software until one is available.

Upgrade, and resolve every user-supplied path against an allowed base folder before opening it. More about Path traversal.

Is CVE-2021-31843 being exploited?

There is no known exploitation of CVE-2021-31843 in the wild and no public exploit code.

Sources

Also known as GHSA-5r8p-h2wh-wvq8.