CVE-2022-26074 in SPS
Summary
by MITRE • 08/19/2022
Incomplete cleanup in a firmware subsystem for Intel(R) SPS before versions SPS_E3_04.08.04.330.0 and SPS_E3_04.01.04.530.0 may allow a privileged user to potentially enable denial of service via local access.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/19/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-26074 resides within the firmware subsystem of Intel(R) SPS products, specifically affecting versions prior to SPS_E3_04.08.04.330.0 and SPS_E3_04.01.04.530.0. This issue represents a critical weakness in the firmware's resource management and cleanup mechanisms, where insufficient handling of system resources during normal operations can lead to persistent state conditions that ultimately compromise system availability. The vulnerability manifests when privileged users leverage local access to manipulate firmware components in ways that leave system resources in an inconsistent state, creating potential pathways for denial of service conditions that can persist across system operations.
The technical flaw stems from incomplete cleanup procedures within the firmware subsystem's memory management and resource allocation processes. When firmware components execute operations that require resource acquisition and subsequent release, the cleanup routines fail to properly invalidate or reset certain system states, particularly in areas related to memory mapping, interrupt handling, and device state management. This incomplete cleanup creates a condition where system resources become permanently or temporarily unavailable, preventing normal system operations from proceeding correctly. The vulnerability is classified as a CWE-459 incomplete cleanup, which directly relates to the improper handling of system resources that should be properly released but remain in use or in an inconsistent state, leading to potential system instability and denial of service scenarios.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple system unavailability as it represents a sophisticated attack vector that requires local privileged access to exploit effectively. An attacker with local administrative privileges can manipulate firmware subsystem components to cause persistent resource exhaustion or state corruption that affects system-wide operations. The nature of firmware-level vulnerabilities means that the effects can persist across system reboots and may require complete firmware reinstallation to fully remediate. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where firmware updates may be infrequent or where legacy systems maintain extended operational lifecycles without regular firmware refreshes. The vulnerability also creates potential for cascading failures where the incomplete cleanup affects multiple subsystems that depend on the compromised firmware components.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-26074 require a multi-layered approach that addresses both immediate operational concerns and long-term system security. Organizations should prioritize firmware updates to versions SPS_E3_04.08.04.330.0 or SPS_E3_04.01.04.530.0, which contain the necessary patches to address the incomplete cleanup mechanisms. System administrators should implement strict access controls and privilege management to limit local administrative access to firmware components, following principle of least privilege guidelines. Additionally, monitoring systems should be deployed to detect anomalous resource usage patterns that may indicate the exploitation of this vulnerability, as the incomplete cleanup can manifest as subtle resource exhaustion or performance degradation. Network segmentation and endpoint detection and response solutions can help identify potential exploitation attempts before they lead to full denial of service conditions. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of maintaining comprehensive firmware inventory management and regular security assessments of embedded systems, aligning with ATT&CK framework techniques that target firmware-level persistence and privilege escalation. Organizations should also consider implementing firmware integrity checking mechanisms and secure boot processes to prevent unauthorized modifications that could exploit this vulnerability.