CVE-2022-29151 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-2022-29150.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/03/2025
The Windows Cluster Shared Volume CSV vulnerability represents a critical elevation of privilege flaw that specifically targets the cluster shared volume functionality within Windows Server environments. This vulnerability affects systems running Windows Server 2016, Windows Server 2019, and Windows Server 2022, where CSV functionality enables multiple cluster nodes to access the same storage volume simultaneously. The flaw exists within the way the operating system handles permissions and access controls for cluster shared volumes, creating an avenue for unauthorized privilege escalation. Unlike related vulnerabilities such as CVE-2022-29135 and CVE-2022-29150 which address different aspects of cluster functionality, this specific vulnerability focuses on the underlying permission model that governs how cluster nodes interact with shared storage resources.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper validation of access control lists and permission checks within the CSV subsystem. When cluster nodes attempt to access shared volumes, the system fails to properly verify the authentication credentials and authorization levels of requesting processes. This weakness allows a local attacker with standard user privileges to manipulate the access control mechanisms and gain elevated privileges within the cluster environment. The flaw specifically manifests when the system processes requests for cluster shared volume operations, where insufficient input validation and permission verification creates a path for privilege escalation. The vulnerability can be exploited through crafted requests that manipulate the CSV volume access routines, bypassing normal security boundaries that should prevent unauthorized privilege elevation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation to potentially compromise entire cluster environments and the data they protect. Attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability can gain SYSTEM-level privileges on affected cluster nodes, enabling them to manipulate cluster resources, access sensitive data, and potentially move laterally within the network infrastructure. This creates a significant risk for enterprise environments that rely on Windows clustering for high availability and fault tolerance, as the compromised node can become a foothold for broader attacks. The vulnerability affects organizations using Windows Server Failover Clustering, which is commonly deployed in mission-critical applications, database clusters, and enterprise storage solutions where maintaining cluster integrity is paramount for business continuity.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of Microsoft security patches and updates to address the underlying access control flaws. Organizations should prioritize patching affected systems and monitor for exploitation attempts through security information and event management systems. Network segmentation and least privilege access controls should be implemented to limit potential attack surfaces and reduce the impact of successful exploitation. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control in software systems, and maps to attack techniques in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under privilege escalation categories. Security teams should conduct comprehensive assessments of their cluster environments to identify potential exploitation vectors and implement monitoring controls to detect anomalous access patterns that may indicate attempted exploitation of this vulnerability.