CVE-2022-23719 in PingID
Summary
by MITRE • 07/01/2022
PingID Windows Login prior to 2.8 does not authenticate communication with a local Java service used to capture security key requests. An attacker with the ability to execute code on the target machine maybe able to exploit and spoof the local Java service using multiple attack vectors. A successful attack can lead to code executed as SYSTEM by the PingID Windows Login application, or even a denial of service for offline security key authentication.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/17/2022
The vulnerability CVE-2022-23719 affects PingID Windows Login versions prior to 2.8, representing a critical authentication bypass and privilege escalation risk within enterprise identity management systems. This flaw stems from insufficient authentication mechanisms between the PingID Windows Login application and a local Java service responsible for capturing security key requests. The vulnerability operates at the intersection of application-level security and system-level privilege management, creating a dangerous attack surface for adversaries who can execute code on target machines.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a lack of proper authentication checks when the PingID Windows Login application communicates with its local Java service component. This service handles critical security key operations that are essential for multi-factor authentication processes. Without proper authentication, an attacker can potentially spoof the Java service by exploiting various attack vectors including local code execution, privilege escalation, or manipulation of service communication channels. The vulnerability specifically targets the Windows authentication infrastructure where the PingID service operates with elevated privileges, creating a pathway for attackers to execute malicious code with SYSTEM-level permissions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation to include potential denial of service conditions for offline security key authentication. When an attacker successfully exploits this vulnerability, they can execute code as SYSTEM by leveraging the elevated privileges of the PingID Windows Login application. This represents a severe compromise of the authentication infrastructure, potentially allowing adversaries to bypass multi-factor authentication controls and gain unauthorized access to protected systems. The denial of service aspect further compounds the risk by potentially disrupting legitimate authentication processes for users who rely on offline security keys.
Security professionals should note this vulnerability aligns with CWE-287 (Improper Authentication) and represents a classic case of insufficient authentication controls in local service communication. The attack surface is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where PingID is deployed for critical authentication services, as it provides a direct pathway to system-level compromise. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including updating to PingID Windows Login version 2.8 or later, implementing network segmentation to limit local service access, and monitoring for unauthorized code execution on affected systems. The vulnerability also maps to ATT&CK technique T1078 (Valid Accounts) and T1548.002 (Abuse Elevation Control Mechanism) in enterprise security frameworks, highlighting the need for comprehensive monitoring of privilege escalation events and service communication patterns.
Mitigation strategies should prioritize the immediate deployment of the patched PingID Windows Login version 2.8, which addresses the authentication gap in local service communication. Network administrators should implement strict access controls for local service endpoints and consider disabling unnecessary local service communication where possible. Additional defensive measures include enhanced monitoring for suspicious service execution patterns, implementation of application whitelisting policies, and regular security assessments of authentication infrastructure components. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper authentication mechanisms in local service communication and highlights the need for continuous security testing of identity management systems to prevent similar issues in the future.