CVE-2022-26445 in MT7603
Summary
by MITRE • 08/01/2022
In wifi driver, there is a possible out of bounds write due to a missing bounds check. This could lead to local escalation of privilege with System execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation. Patch ID: GN20220420088; Issue ID: GN20220420088.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/29/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-26445 resides within a wifi driver component where a critical out-of-bounds write condition exists due to insufficient bounds checking mechanisms. This flaw represents a fundamental security weakness that allows malicious code to write data beyond the allocated memory boundaries of the affected driver module. The absence of proper input validation and boundary verification creates an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by attackers to manipulate system memory structures. The vulnerability specifically affects the wireless networking subsystem and manifests when the driver processes certain network packets or configuration data that exceed expected parameter limits. This type of flaw typically occurs when developers fail to implement adequate buffer size validation before writing data to memory locations, creating opportunities for arbitrary memory corruption that can be exploited to gain elevated privileges.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to craft specific inputs that trigger the out-of-bounds write condition within the wifi driver. Since no user interaction is required for exploitation, the vulnerability can be leveraged through automated attacks or by placing malicious code in a location where it will be executed by the vulnerable driver. The attacker can potentially overwrite critical memory locations including function pointers, return addresses, or other control structures that govern the execution flow of the driver. When successfully exploited, this condition can enable local privilege escalation to system-level privileges, allowing an attacker to execute arbitrary code with the highest possible system permissions. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the kernel level where the driver executes with system execution privileges, making it a prime target for privilege escalation attacks.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-26445 extends beyond simple memory corruption as it provides a pathway for attackers to gain complete system control through local privilege escalation. Once an attacker successfully exploits this vulnerability, they can execute code with system-level privileges, potentially leading to full system compromise, data exfiltration, or persistence mechanisms establishment. The lack of user interaction requirements means that automated exploitation tools can target vulnerable systems without requiring social engineering or other attack vectors to gain initial access. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where wireless network connectivity is prevalent and where attackers might be able to position themselves within network reach of target systems. The vulnerability affects systems where the patched driver component is installed and actively running, potentially exposing organizations to significant security risks if not properly addressed through timely patch deployment.
The mitigation strategy for CVE-2022-26445 involves immediate deployment of the vendor-provided patch identified by patch ID GN20220420088 and issue ID GN20220420088. Organizations should prioritize patching all affected systems within their network infrastructure, particularly those with wireless connectivity capabilities. The patch addresses the missing bounds check by implementing proper input validation and memory boundary verification before data is written to driver memory structures. System administrators should also consider implementing additional security measures including network segmentation to limit wireless access, monitoring for anomalous network behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts, and maintaining up-to-date threat intelligence regarding potential exploitation of this vulnerability. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-129, which describes improper validation of array index, and represents a classic example of how inadequate bounds checking in kernel-mode drivers can lead to privilege escalation. From an ATT&CK perspective, this vulnerability maps to privilege escalation techniques where adversaries leverage kernel-level flaws to gain system-level access, typically classified under T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation and T1547 for registry run keys or startup folder.