CVE-2022-29150 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE • 05/11/2022
Windows Cluster Shared Volume (CSV) Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability. This CVE ID is unique from CVE-2022-29135, CVE-2022-29151.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/03/2025
The Windows Cluster Shared Volume CSV vulnerability represents a critical elevation of privilege flaw that affects clustered storage environments. This vulnerability specifically targets the cluster shared volume functionality within Windows Server operating systems, where multiple cluster nodes share storage resources through the CSV mechanism. The flaw enables an authenticated attacker with limited system access to escalate their privileges to system level, potentially compromising the entire cluster infrastructure. The vulnerability exists in the way Windows handles access control and privilege checks within the CSV subsystem, creating an avenue for unauthorized privilege escalation that could lead to complete cluster compromise.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper access control validation within the CSV file system driver. When cluster nodes attempt to access shared volumes, the system fails to properly validate the privileges of requesting processes, particularly in scenarios involving inter-node communication and resource access. The flaw manifests during the processing of specific file system operations where the system does not adequately verify whether the requesting entity possesses sufficient privileges to perform the requested operation. This validation gap allows malicious actors to exploit the system by crafting specific requests that bypass normal privilege checks. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the kernel level within the CSV driver, making it difficult to detect and mitigate through standard user-space security measures.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond individual system compromise to threaten entire cluster environments that rely on shared storage. Organizations with Windows failover clusters using CSV technology face significant risk when this vulnerability is exploited, as attackers can potentially gain access to shared data across multiple cluster nodes. The privilege escalation capability allows attackers to modify critical cluster configuration files, access sensitive data stored on shared volumes, and potentially disrupt cluster operations. This vulnerability particularly affects enterprise environments where high availability and disaster recovery solutions depend on clustered storage, making it attractive to threat actors seeking persistent access to critical infrastructure. The impact is amplified in scenarios where cluster nodes are not properly isolated or where administrative accounts are compromised.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate attention from system administrators and security teams. Microsoft released security updates that address the privilege escalation flaw through enhanced access control validation within the CSV subsystem. Organizations should prioritize patching affected systems with the latest security updates, particularly in clustered environments where the risk is highest. Network segmentation and proper access controls should be implemented to limit potential attack vectors, as the vulnerability requires authentication to exploit. Monitoring for unusual file system access patterns and privilege escalation attempts can help detect exploitation attempts. Additionally, implementing principle of least privilege for cluster accounts and ensuring proper credential management reduces the potential impact of successful exploitation. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284 Access Control Issues, specifically focusing on insufficient privilege checks and improper access control validation. From an adversarial perspective, this vulnerability maps to ATT&CK technique T1068 Privilege Escalation, where adversaries leverage system vulnerabilities to gain elevated privileges, and T1484 Domain Controller Privilege Escalation when targeting cluster environments that provide access to multiple systems.