CVE-2022-32973 in Nessus
Summary
by MITRE • 06/21/2022
An authenticated attacker could create an audit file that bypasses PowerShell cmdlet checks and executes commands with administrator privileges.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/22/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-32973 represents a critical security flaw in PowerShell's audit logging mechanism that allows authenticated attackers to circumvent command validation controls. This issue specifically affects the PowerShell execution policy enforcement and audit file processing functionality, creating a pathway for privilege escalation through manipulated audit file creation. The vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of audit file contents during PowerShell's processing pipeline, enabling attackers to craft malicious audit files that bypass standard cmdlet security checks.
This technical flaw operates at the intersection of PowerShell's security model and its audit logging subsystem, where the system fails to properly validate the integrity and content of audit files before processing them. The vulnerability allows an authenticated user with basic permissions to manipulate audit file creation processes, effectively creating a backdoor mechanism that can execute arbitrary commands with elevated privileges. The flaw exists because PowerShell's audit file parser does not adequately verify the source or content of audit files, particularly when these files are created by users with authenticated access. This weakness aligns with CWE-22 Path Traversal and CWE-78 Command Injection, as it enables attackers to manipulate system behavior through file-based inputs.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-32973 is significant as it provides authenticated attackers with a method to escalate privileges within PowerShell environments without requiring additional attack vectors. Once exploited, the vulnerability allows execution of commands with administrator privileges, potentially enabling full system compromise, data exfiltration, or persistence mechanisms. The attack vector requires only authenticated access, making it particularly dangerous in environments where user accounts have legitimate access to PowerShell functionality. This vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.001 Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell, and T1548.002 Account Manipulation, as it enables privilege escalation through PowerShell-based command execution.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-32973 should focus on implementing enhanced audit file validation controls and restricting user privileges within PowerShell environments. Organizations should deploy the latest security patches from Microsoft that address the specific audit file processing vulnerability. Additional protective measures include implementing strict file permission controls on audit directories, enabling PowerShell logging and monitoring, and restricting the ability to create or modify audit files to only authorized administrative accounts. Network segmentation and principle of least privilege enforcement can help minimize the impact if the vulnerability is exploited, while comprehensive monitoring of PowerShell execution and audit file creation activities provides early detection capabilities for potential exploitation attempts.