CVE-2007-1538

CVE-2007-1538 is a high-severity vulnerability in Mcafee Virusscan Enterprise with a CVSS 2.0 base score of 7.5. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low.

Key facts

Description

McAfee VirusScan Enterprise 8.5.0.i uses insecure permissions for certain Windows Registry keys, which allows local users to bypass local password protection via the UIP value in (1) HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\McAfee\DesktopProtection or (2) HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Network Associates\TVD\VirusScan Entreprise\CurrentVersion. NOTE: this issue has been disputed by third-party researchers, stating that the default permissions for HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE does not allow for write access and the product does not modify the inherited permissions. There might be an interaction error with another product

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2007-1538?
McAfee VirusScan Enterprise 8.5.0.i uses insecure permissions for certain Windows Registry keys, which allows local users to bypass local password protection via the UIP value in (1) HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\McAfee\DesktopProtection or (2) HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Network Associates\TVD\VirusScan Entreprise\CurrentVersion. NOTE: this issue has been disputed by third-party researchers, stating that the default permissions for HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE does not allow for write access and the product does not modify the inherited permissions. There might be an interaction error with another product
How severe is CVE-2007-1538?
CVE-2007-1538 has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 7.5, rated high severity.
Is CVE-2007-1538 being actively exploited?
It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 2% (78th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2007-1538?
CVE-2007-1538 affects Mcafee Virusscan Enterprise. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
How do I fix CVE-2007-1538?
Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.
When was CVE-2007-1538 published?
CVE-2007-1538 was published on 2007-03-20 and last updated on 2026-06-16.

References

Affected products (1)

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