CVE-2022-29514 in SUR Software
Summary
by MITRE • 02/16/2023
Improper access control in the Intel(R) SUR software before version 2.4.8902 may allow an unauthenticated user to potentially enable escalation of privilege via network access.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/18/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-29514 represents a critical access control flaw within Intel's SUR (Software Update Receiver) component, specifically affecting versions prior to 2.4.8902. This issue resides in the software responsible for managing and executing firmware updates on Intel hardware platforms, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to compromise system integrity. The flaw manifests as an improper access control mechanism that fails to adequately validate user authentication status, creating a pathway for unauthorized individuals to gain elevated privileges without proper authorization.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from insufficient authentication checks within the network-facing components of the SUR software. When network access is granted to the affected system, the software fails to properly enforce access restrictions, allowing unauthenticated users to potentially exploit the update mechanism for privilege escalation. This weakness operates at the application layer and can be leveraged through network-based attacks, making it particularly dangerous in environments where network services are exposed to untrusted networks. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-285, which describes improper authorization in software systems, and represents a direct violation of the principle of least privilege that should govern all system components.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-29514 extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges on affected systems. This privilege escalation capability allows malicious actors to potentially install persistent backdoors, modify system configurations, or exfiltrate sensitive data from compromised environments. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where Intel SUR software is deployed across multiple systems, as it could enable lateral movement and persistent access within networks. Attackers leveraging this vulnerability could potentially compromise entire infrastructure domains, especially when combined with other attack vectors or when the affected systems are part of larger supply chain ecosystems.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate deployment of Intel's security patches and updates, specifically targeting version 2.4.8902 or later. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to systems running SUR software, particularly those exposed to external networks. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by restricting network access to only authorized personnel and systems, while network monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual access patterns or attempted exploitation. Security teams should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems that can identify potential exploitation attempts targeting this specific vulnerability. Additionally, regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to ensure that all components of the update infrastructure remain secure. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under privilege escalation techniques, specifically noting the use of software update mechanisms for gaining elevated access rights, making it a critical target for defensive security operations.