CVE-2022-29508 in VROC
Summary
by MITRE • 05/10/2023
Null pointer dereference in the Intel(R) VROC software before version 7.7.6.1003 may allow an authenticated user to potentially enable escalation of privilege via local access.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/02/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-29508 represents a critical null pointer dereference flaw within Intel's Virtual RAID on CPU (VROC) software ecosystem. This issue affects versions prior to 7.7.6.1003 and manifests as a privilege escalation vector that requires local authentication access. The vulnerability resides within the software's handling of memory references, specifically when the system attempts to dereference a null pointer during normal operational procedures. Such flaws typically occur when software fails to properly validate pointer values before accessing memory locations, creating exploitable conditions that can be leveraged by malicious actors with local system access.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the VROC software components responsible for managing storage virtualization operations. When authenticated users execute specific commands or operations within the software interface, the system encounters a scenario where a pointer variable is set to null but subsequently dereferenced without proper null checks. This memory management error creates a condition where the software process attempts to access memory at address zero, leading to a system crash or potentially allowing arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability classification aligns with CWE-476 which specifically addresses null pointer dereference conditions, making it a well-documented and dangerous class of memory safety issues.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risk to organizations utilizing Intel VROC technology for storage management and virtualization tasks. The requirement for local authentication access means that attackers must first compromise a valid user account or gain physical system access before exploiting this flaw. However, once exploited, the privilege escalation capability could enable attackers to gain elevated system privileges, potentially allowing them to modify system configurations, access sensitive data, or establish persistent access points within the storage infrastructure. The impact extends beyond simple denial of service, as the vulnerability could be leveraged to compromise the entire storage virtualization environment that relies on VROC software for its operations.
Security practitioners should prioritize immediate remediation of this vulnerability through the deployment of Intel's official patch releases. The affected software versions should be updated to 7.7.6.1003 or later, which incorporates proper null pointer validation mechanisms. Organizations should implement comprehensive monitoring for suspicious local access patterns and consider restricting local authentication privileges where possible. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under privilege escalation techniques, specifically targeting the T1068 - Exploitation for Privilege Escalation tactic. Network segmentation and least privilege principles should be enforced to minimize the potential impact if local access is compromised. Additionally, regular vulnerability assessments should include checks for outdated VROC software versions to prevent similar issues from persisting in the environment.