CVE-2022-1316 in ZeroTierOne
Summary
by MITRE • 04/12/2022
Incorrect Permission Assignment for Critical Resource in GitHub repository zerotier/zerotierone prior to 1.8.8. Local Privilege Escalation
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/25/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-1316 represents a critical permission assignment flaw in the ZeroTier One repository management system that existed prior to version 1.8.8. This issue manifests as an incorrect permission assignment for critical resources within the ZeroTier network infrastructure, creating a significant security risk that can be exploited for local privilege escalation. The vulnerability stems from improper access control mechanisms that fail to correctly enforce permission boundaries for essential system components, particularly those related to network configuration and management functions. ZeroTier One operates as a software-defined networking platform that enables secure network connectivity across distributed environments, making proper access controls essential for maintaining system integrity and preventing unauthorized modifications to network configurations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a flaw in how the system assigns and validates permissions for critical resources within the ZeroTier One software stack. When a local attacker successfully exploits this weakness, they can manipulate permission assignments to gain elevated privileges that should otherwise be restricted to authorized administrative users. This flaw typically occurs during the initialization or runtime processes where the system fails to properly validate user permissions against the required access levels for critical operations. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it allows local users to escalate their privileges without requiring additional authentication mechanisms, effectively bypassing the standard security controls that protect critical system resources. The underlying mechanism often involves improper handling of file permissions, directory access controls, or process-level privilege management that fails to properly enforce the principle of least privilege.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-1316 extends beyond simple privilege escalation to potentially compromise entire ZeroTier networks and the systems that depend on them. When exploited, this vulnerability can enable attackers to modify network configurations, access sensitive network data, or even take control of network infrastructure components that should remain protected. The implications are severe because ZeroTier networks often serve as critical infrastructure for remote access, secure communications, and distributed system management, making unauthorized access to these networks particularly damaging. Organizations using ZeroTier One software are at risk of data breaches, network disruption, and potential lateral movement within their infrastructure if this vulnerability is exploited. The local privilege escalation aspect means that even if an attacker initially gains access to a system with limited user privileges, they can use this vulnerability to elevate their access level and potentially move throughout the network environment.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-1316 require immediate deployment of ZeroTier One version 1.8.8 or later, which contains the necessary permission assignment fixes. System administrators should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify any systems running affected versions of the software and ensure all instances are updated promptly. Additional protective measures include implementing strict access controls, monitoring for unauthorized privilege changes, and conducting regular security audits of network management systems. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-276, which addresses incorrect permission assignment for critical resources, and represents a clear violation of the principle of least privilege as defined in security best practices. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation, privilege monitoring, and behavioral analytics to detect potential exploitation attempts. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under privilege escalation techniques, specifically targeting the use of insecure permissions to gain elevated access levels. Regular patch management processes should be strengthened to ensure timely deployment of security updates, particularly for critical infrastructure software like ZeroTier One that operates with elevated system privileges.