CVE-2022-28632 in iLO 5
Summary
by MITRE • 08/12/2022
A potential arbitrary code execution and a denial of service (DoS) vulnerability within an isolated process were discovered in HPE Integrated Lights-Out 5 (iLO 5) firmware version(s): Prior to 2.71. An unprivileged user could exploit this vulnerability in an adjacent network to potentially execute arbitrary code in an isolated process resulting in a complete loss of confidentiality, integrity, and availability within that process. In addition, an unprivileged user could exploit a denial of service (DoS) vulnerability in an isolated process resulting in a complete loss of availability within that process. 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 identified as CVE-2022-28632 represents a critical security flaw within HPE Integrated Lights-Out 5 (iLO 5) firmware versions prior to 2.71, affecting the remote management capabilities of HPE servers. This issue resides within the isolated process architecture of the iLO 5 firmware, which is designed to provide secure out-of-band management access to server hardware. The vulnerability manifests as both arbitrary code execution and denial of service capabilities, creating a significant threat vector for attackers who can access the management network. The affected isolated process operates with elevated privileges and contains sensitive system functions that control hardware access, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to compromise server integrity and availability.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through adjacent network access, meaning that an unprivileged attacker must be positioned within the same network segment as the target server to successfully exploit the flaw. This access pattern aligns with CWE-20, which describes improper input validation, and represents a privilege escalation issue where an attacker can leverage a vulnerability in a process that should operate in isolation. The flaw allows an attacker to execute arbitrary code within the isolated process, potentially gaining complete control over the management functions of the server. This arbitrary code execution capability maps directly to CWE-94, describing the execution of code in a process that should be isolated from user input. The compromised process handles critical system functions including firmware updates, hardware monitoring, and access control mechanisms, making the impact of successful exploitation severe.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-28632 extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass complete compromise of the server's management capabilities. When an attacker successfully exploits the arbitrary code execution vulnerability, they gain access to confidential information stored within the isolated process, including system configuration data, user credentials, and hardware monitoring information. The integrity of the management system becomes compromised as attackers can modify system parameters, alter access controls, and potentially install malicious firmware components. The denial of service component of this vulnerability creates a complete loss of availability within the isolated process, rendering the server management functions inaccessible to legitimate administrators. This dual nature of the vulnerability aligns with the ATT&CK framework's T1059.007 technique for execution through command and scripting interpreter, as well as T1499.004 for network denial of service attacks, demonstrating how the vulnerability can be exploited for both persistent access and system disruption.
The mitigation strategy for CVE-2022-28632 involves immediate deployment of HPE firmware update version 2.71 or later, which addresses the vulnerability through proper input validation and access control mechanisms. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to iLO management interfaces, ensuring that only authorized management networks can reach the isolated processes. Additional security measures include disabling unnecessary management protocols, implementing strong authentication mechanisms, and monitoring network traffic for suspicious activity related to iLO communications. The vulnerability highlights the importance of firmware security and proper isolation of management processes, aligning with NIST SP 800-128 guidelines for firmware security and the principle of least privilege in system design. Security teams should also conduct regular vulnerability assessments of management interfaces and maintain updated inventory of all iLO firmware versions across their server infrastructure to prevent similar issues from affecting their environment.