CVE-2022-32576 in Unite Plugin SDK
Summary
by MITRE • 05/10/2023
Uncontrolled search path in the Intel(R) Unite(R) Plugin SDK before version 4.2 may allow an authenticated user to potentially enable escalation of privilege via local access.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/07/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-32576 resides within the Intel(R) Unite(R) Plugin SDK, a component designed to facilitate remote collaboration and device management in enterprise environments. This issue represents a classic example of an uncontrolled search path vulnerability that affects versions prior to 4.2 of the software. The Intel Unite platform enables users to share screens, control remote devices, and manage collaborative workspaces, making it a critical component in modern workplace infrastructure. The vulnerability specifically targets the plugin architecture that allows third-party applications to extend the functionality of the Unite platform, creating potential attack vectors that could be exploited by malicious actors with local access privileges.
The technical flaw manifests in how the plugin SDK handles search paths during the loading of dynamic libraries or executable components. When an authenticated user with local access can manipulate the search path environment, they gain the ability to influence which libraries are loaded by the application. This occurs because the software does not properly validate or sanitize the paths used to locate required components, allowing attackers to place malicious binaries in directories that are searched before legitimate system libraries. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of library loading sequences and lacks adequate input validation for path resolution mechanisms. This flaw falls under the CWE-427 Uncontrolled Search Path vulnerability category, which specifically addresses situations where applications search for components in predictable locations without proper validation of the search path contents.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant for organizations relying on Intel Unite for collaborative computing environments. An authenticated local user who successfully exploits this vulnerability can potentially escalate their privileges from standard user level to administrative privileges, depending on the system configuration and the specific implementation details. This escalation occurs because the attacker can manipulate the loading of trusted components to execute malicious code with elevated privileges. The attack requires local access to the system, which means that network-based exploitation is not directly possible, but this limitation does not diminish the severity since local access is often achievable through various attack vectors including phishing, credential theft, or physical access. The vulnerability could enable persistent access to systems, data exfiltration, or further lateral movement within the network, making it particularly dangerous for enterprise environments where the Unite platform is widely deployed.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including updating to Intel Unite Plugin SDK version 4.2 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the uncontrolled search path vulnerability. System administrators should also conduct thorough audits of the plugin installation directories to ensure no unauthorized modifications exist and implement proper access controls to limit local user privileges where possible. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under T1068 - Exploitation for Privilege Escalation, highlighting the importance of addressing local privilege escalation vectors. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing application whitelisting policies to prevent unauthorized binaries from executing, and establish monitoring procedures to detect unusual library loading patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments of collaboration platforms and endpoint management systems should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in related software components. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and secure coding practices in plugin architectures, particularly in enterprise collaboration platforms where multiple third-party components interact with core system functions.