CVE-2022-28628 in iLO 5
Summary
by MITRE • 08/12/2022
A local arbitrary code execution vulnerability was discovered in HPE Integrated Lights-Out 5 (iLO 5) firmware version(s): Prior to 2.71. An unprivileged user could locally exploit this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code resulting in a complete loss of confidentiality, integrity, and availability. HPE has provided a firmware update to resolve this vulnerability in HPE Integrated Lights-Out 5 (iLO 5).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/29/2022
The vulnerability CVE-2022-28628 represents a critical local arbitrary code execution flaw in HPE Integrated Lights-Out 5 management firmware affecting versions prior to 2.71. This remote management interface serves as a crucial component for system administrators to monitor and control servers remotely, making it a prime target for attackers seeking persistent access to enterprise infrastructure. The vulnerability resides within the firmware implementation of iLO 5, which operates as a dedicated management processor that provides out-of-band server management capabilities regardless of the host operating system status. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows an attacker with local access to escalate privileges and execute malicious code with system-level privileges, effectively compromising the entire server infrastructure. The flaw demonstrates a fundamental weakness in the firmware's privilege separation mechanisms and code validation processes, which should have prevented unauthorized code execution from local users.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and privilege enforcement within the iLO 5 firmware architecture. An unprivileged local user can leverage this flaw to bypass existing security controls and execute arbitrary code directly on the management processor. This represents a failure in the principle of least privilege and demonstrates a lack of proper code execution restrictions within the firmware environment. The vulnerability enables attackers to gain complete control over the server's management functions, potentially allowing them to modify system configurations, extract sensitive data, or establish persistent backdoors. The attack vector requires local access to the system, which means that an attacker must already have some level of physical or network access to the server, but once exploited, the consequences are severe due to the elevated privileges available through the management interface. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-78 and CWE-74 standards related to code injection and command injection flaws, where improper validation of user inputs leads to unauthorized code execution.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-28628 extends far beyond simple privilege escalation, as it fundamentally compromises the integrity and confidentiality of enterprise server environments. Once exploited, the vulnerability allows attackers to manipulate the server's management interface to perform unauthorized actions including but not limited to modifying firmware settings, accessing encrypted data, altering system configurations, and potentially exfiltrating sensitive information. The availability aspect is equally concerning as attackers can disrupt normal server operations or even render systems inaccessible through malicious code execution. This vulnerability directly impacts the security posture of organizations relying on HPE servers, as it provides an attack path that could lead to complete system compromise. The risk is amplified because iLO 5 interfaces are often accessible from management networks and may not be adequately protected or monitored, making them attractive targets for attackers seeking persistent access to enterprise infrastructure. Organizations using affected firmware versions face potential data breaches, system downtime, and regulatory compliance violations.
Organizations must immediately implement the firmware update provided by HPE to address this vulnerability, as the patch resolves the underlying privilege enforcement issues and code validation flaws. The recommended mitigation strategy involves applying firmware version 2.71 or later, which includes enhanced input validation and stricter privilege controls within the iLO 5 management interface. System administrators should also conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify any potential exploitation attempts or unauthorized access patterns in their environments. Additional protective measures include implementing network segmentation to limit access to iLO interfaces, enabling strong authentication mechanisms, and monitoring for unusual management interface activity. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of keeping firmware and management interfaces up to date, as these components often represent attack surfaces that are frequently overlooked in traditional security assessments. Organizations should also consider implementing privileged access management solutions and regular security audits of their management interfaces to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being exploited in the future. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of treating firmware security as a critical component of overall enterprise security strategy, particularly for remote management interfaces that provide privileged access to critical infrastructure.