CVE-2022-28541 in Update
Summary
by MITRE • 04/12/2022
Uncontrolled search path element vulnerability in Samsung Update prior to version 3.0.77.0 allows attackers to execute arbitrary code as Samsung Update permission.
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/14/2022
The vulnerability CVE-2022-28541 represents an uncontrolled search path element flaw within Samsung Update software versions prior to 3.0.77.0. This issue falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-427 which specifically addresses Uncontrolled Search Path Element vulnerabilities. The weakness occurs when an application searches for files or executables using a path that contains untrusted elements, potentially allowing attackers to manipulate the search order and execute malicious code with the privileges of the Samsung Update application.
The technical flaw manifests in how Samsung Update handles file paths during the update process. When the application searches for required components or executables, it does not properly validate or sanitize the search paths, creating opportunities for path manipulation attacks. Attackers can exploit this by placing malicious files in directories that are searched before legitimate system directories, effectively hijacking the update process. This vulnerability specifically allows for arbitrary code execution with Samsung Update permissions, which typically includes elevated privileges necessary for system-level operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it provides attackers with a means to execute malicious code with the elevated privileges of the Samsung Update application. This creates a potential attack vector for privilege escalation and system compromise, as the Samsung Update process often runs with administrative privileges. The vulnerability could be exploited during routine update operations when the application searches for necessary components, making it particularly dangerous as it operates within legitimate system processes. This type of vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which covers the use of elevated privileges for privilege escalation attacks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-28541 include immediate patching to version 3.0.77.0 or later, which addresses the uncontrolled search path element vulnerability through proper path validation and sanitization. Organizations should also implement strict file access controls and monitor for unauthorized modifications to update-related directories. The fix typically involves ensuring that search paths are properly validated and that the application uses absolute paths instead of relative ones when searching for critical components. Additionally, system administrators should conduct regular security assessments of update processes and maintain up-to-date threat intelligence to identify potential exploitation attempts targeting similar vulnerabilities in other software components.