CVE-2022-26344 in SEAPI
Summary
by MITRE • 08/19/2022
Incorrect default permissions in the installation binaries for Intel(R) SEAPI all versions may allow an authenticated user to potentially enable escalation of privilege via local access.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/25/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-26344 affects Intel(R) SEAPI installation binaries across all versions, representing a critical security flaw in the default permission settings of the software installation process. This issue stems from improper default file and directory permissions that are established during the installation of Intel's Software Enablement API, which is designed to provide secure communication with Intel's Trusted Execution Technology components. The flaw exists in the installation binary execution flow where default permissions are not properly configured to restrict access to sensitive system resources, creating potential attack vectors for authenticated users who possess local system access. The vulnerability specifically impacts the privilege escalation capabilities of local attackers who can leverage these incorrect default permissions to gain elevated system privileges.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the improper implementation of access control mechanisms within the Intel SEAPI installation process. When the installation binaries execute, they create files and directories with overly permissive default settings that do not adequately restrict access to authenticated users. This misconfiguration allows local users to potentially manipulate or access system resources that should remain restricted to privileged processes or administrators. The vulnerability demonstrates characteristics consistent with CWE-732, which describes improper permission assignment where objects receive permissions that are too broad for their intended use. The flaw essentially creates a pathway for privilege escalation by enabling an authenticated user to potentially access resources that should be protected, thereby undermining the security model of the system.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant risk to systems that rely on Intel SEAPI for secure communications and trusted execution environments. Local authenticated users who can execute the installation binaries or access the installed components can potentially leverage this flaw to escalate their privileges to system-level access. This escalation capability can enable attackers to perform actions such as modifying system files, accessing sensitive data, or establishing persistent access to the compromised system. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where multiple users may have local access to systems that utilize Intel SEAPI components, as it provides a potential attack vector for lateral movement and privilege escalation within the network infrastructure. The impact extends beyond individual system compromise to potentially affect entire network security postures when multiple systems are vulnerable.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-26344 should focus on immediate remediation through official Intel updates and patches that address the incorrect default permissions in the installation binaries. System administrators should ensure that all affected Intel SEAPI installations are updated to the latest versions that contain proper permission configurations. Additionally, organizations should implement comprehensive access control policies that limit local user privileges and monitor for unauthorized installation activities. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers privilege escalation through local exploitation, and organizations should consider implementing monitoring controls to detect potential exploitation attempts. Network segmentation and least privilege access principles should be enforced to minimize the potential impact of successful privilege escalation attempts. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify any remaining instances of the vulnerable installation binaries, while also ensuring that proper file permission settings are maintained across all system components.