CVE-2022-26367 in XMM
Summary
by MITRE • 11/11/2022
Improper buffer restrictions in some Intel(R) XMM(TM) 7560 Modem software before version M2_7560_R_01.2146.00 may allow a privileged user to potentially enable escalation of privilege via local access.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/05/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-26367 represents a critical buffer overflow issue within Intel's XMM 7560 modem software implementation. This flaw exists in versions prior to M2_7560_R_01 and specifically affects the modem's firmware handling mechanisms. The vulnerability stems from inadequate buffer size validation and improper memory management practices within the modem's privileged execution paths. Attackers with local access to systems utilizing affected Intel XMM 7560 modems can exploit this weakness to escalate their privileges from standard user level to administrative privileges, potentially gaining full system control.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through improper buffer restriction mechanisms that fail to properly validate input lengths and memory boundaries during modem firmware operations. This buffer management failure creates opportunities for attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations with malicious data, potentially corrupting critical system structures or injecting executable code. The flaw operates at the kernel level or privileged user space context where modem drivers execute, making it particularly dangerous as it bypasses standard operating system privilege controls. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability maps to CWE-121: Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which represents a well-known and frequently exploited category of memory corruption vulnerabilities. The attack vector requires local system access, meaning an adversary must already have some level of user access to the target system, though this initial access point is often achievable through social engineering, phishing, or other initial compromise techniques.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-26367 extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass potential system compromise and data exfiltration capabilities. Once elevated privileges are obtained, attackers can manipulate modem configurations, intercept communications, or establish persistent backdoors within the system. The vulnerability affects devices that rely on Intel XMM 7560 modems for cellular connectivity, including laptops, mobile devices, and IoT systems with integrated modem functionality. This makes the impact particularly significant in enterprise environments where such devices may be used for sensitive communications or access control systems. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068: Exploitation for Privilege Escalation, which specifically addresses methods for gaining higher-level permissions through software exploitation. Organizations running affected systems face potential data breaches, system compromise, and unauthorized access to network resources, particularly in scenarios where modem functionality is critical for device operation or network connectivity.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-26367 primarily focus on firmware updates and system hardening measures. Intel has released updated firmware versions addressing this vulnerability, and system administrators should immediately deploy the M2_7560_R_01 or later releases to protect affected systems. Additionally, implementing least privilege principles and restricting local system access can reduce the attack surface for exploitation. Network segmentation and monitoring of modem activity can help detect anomalous behavior indicative of exploitation attempts. Security teams should also consider implementing runtime protection mechanisms and memory protection features such as DEP and ASLR to make exploitation more difficult. Regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing focusing on modem firmware components can help identify similar issues in other embedded system components. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of firmware security and the need for comprehensive security testing across all system layers, particularly in mobile and embedded environments where modem functionality is essential for device operation and network connectivity.