CVE-2022-28633 in iLO 5
Summary
by MITRE • 08/12/2022
A local disclosure of sensitive information and a local unauthorized data modification vulnerability were 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 read and write to the iLO 5 firmware file system resulting in a complete loss of confidentiality and a partial loss of 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-2022-28633 represents a critical security flaw in HPE Integrated Lights-Out 5 remote management firmware that exposes sensitive system information and enables unauthorized data modification. This issue affects all firmware versions prior to 2.71 and demonstrates a fundamental weakness in the privilege management system of the iLO 5 platform. The vulnerability resides in the local file system access controls that fail to properly validate user permissions, creating a path for unprivileged local users to gain elevated access to critical system components. Such weaknesses in remote management interfaces are particularly concerning as they provide attackers with potential pathways to compromise entire server infrastructures through what should be secure administrative channels.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through local access to the iLO 5 firmware environment where an attacker can manipulate file system permissions and execute unauthorized read/write operations against core firmware components. This flaw directly maps to CWE-276, which describes improper file permissions, and demonstrates how inadequate access control mechanisms can lead to complete system compromise. The vulnerability allows for the disclosure of sensitive information that may include system configuration data, authentication credentials, and other confidential operational details. Additionally, the unauthorized modification capability enables attackers to alter firmware settings, potentially disrupting system availability and introducing persistent backdoors that could remain undetected for extended periods.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-28633 extends beyond simple information disclosure to encompass complete system compromise through the loss of confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability can gain complete control over the affected server's management interface, potentially enabling them to modify system configurations, install malicious firmware components, or establish persistent access points. This represents a significant threat to enterprise security infrastructure as iLO 5 is commonly deployed in mission-critical environments where unauthorized access could result in substantial data breaches, service disruptions, and regulatory compliance violations. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059, which covers command and script interpretation, as exploitation likely involves executing commands within the compromised firmware environment.
Organizations should prioritize immediate firmware updates to version 2.71 or later to remediate this vulnerability and prevent potential exploitation. The update process should include comprehensive testing in non-production environments to ensure compatibility with existing infrastructure. System administrators must also implement additional monitoring controls to detect unauthorized access attempts to iLO 5 interfaces and establish network segmentation controls to limit local access to critical management systems. Regular security assessments of remote management interfaces should be conducted to identify similar privilege escalation vulnerabilities, and access controls should be reviewed to ensure principle of least privilege is maintained. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of maintaining current firmware versions and implementing robust security controls around remote management interfaces in enterprise environments.