CVE-2022-21152 in Edge Insights
Summary
by MITRE • 08/19/2022
Improper access control in the Intel(R) Edge Insights for Industrial software before version 2.6.1 may allow an authenticated user to potentially enable information disclosure via local access.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/19/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-21152 represents a critical access control flaw within Intel Edge Insights for Industrial software ecosystem. This issue affects versions prior to 2.6.1 and demonstrates a significant weakness in the software's authorization mechanisms. The vulnerability stems from inadequate validation of user permissions and access rights, creating opportunities for authenticated users to bypass intended security controls. The flaw specifically manifests when an authenticated user attempts to access restricted information or functionality through local system access pathways.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves insufficient input validation and privilege checking mechanisms within the software's access control framework. When users authenticate to the system, the software fails to properly enforce the principle of least privilege, allowing users who have legitimate access to potentially escalate their privileges or gain unauthorized access to sensitive data. This weakness operates at the application level where user sessions are managed and where access decisions are made. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires only local access, meaning an attacker who has already established authentication credentials can exploit this flaw without requiring additional network-based attack vectors. The underlying cause aligns with CWE-285, which addresses improper authorization in software systems.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure to encompass potential system compromise and data integrity violations. An authenticated user with malicious intent could access confidential industrial data, system configurations, or operational parameters that should remain restricted to authorized personnel only. This exposure creates risks for industrial control systems where sensitive operational data might include production metrics, security settings, or network configurations. The local access requirement means that the vulnerability is particularly dangerous in environments where physical access to industrial systems is possible, as it could enable insider threats or compromised local accounts to escalate privileges. Organizations relying on Intel Edge Insights for Industrial for critical infrastructure monitoring face potential operational disruptions if this vulnerability is exploited, as it could lead to unauthorized access to industrial processes or data.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-21152 should prioritize immediate software updates to version 2.6.1 or later, which contain the necessary patches to address the access control deficiencies. Organizations should implement comprehensive access control reviews, ensuring that all user accounts have appropriate permissions and that the principle of least privilege is enforced throughout the system. Network segmentation and monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual access patterns or unauthorized attempts to access restricted system components. Security teams should conduct regular audits of user access rights and implement automated monitoring solutions to detect potential exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing multi-factor authentication mechanisms and regular security training for personnel who have access to industrial control systems. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining current security patches and implementing robust access control policies in industrial environments where system integrity and data confidentiality are paramount. This case underscores the need for continuous security assessments and proper vulnerability management practices within industrial cybersecurity frameworks.