CVE-2022-35757 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE • 05/31/2023
Windows Cloud Files Mini Filter Driver Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/31/2023
This vulnerability exists within the Windows Cloud Files Mini Filter Driver component that operates at the kernel level to intercept and process file system operations for cloud storage services. The flaw manifests as an improper input validation issue where the driver fails to adequately validate user-supplied data during specific file operation requests, allowing malicious actors to manipulate kernel memory structures through crafted input parameters. This represents a classic example of a buffer over-read or arbitrary write condition that can be exploited to elevate privileges from standard user context to system level access. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it operates within the kernel space where security boundaries are normally enforced, making it a prime target for privilege escalation attacks and persistent malware deployment.
The technical exploitation occurs when unprivileged users submit specially crafted file operations through the cloud storage interface that trigger the vulnerable code path in the mini filter driver. This allows attackers to manipulate kernel memory pointers or overwrite critical data structures such as process control blocks or security descriptors. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that it requires no special privileges initially, making it an ideal candidate for initial access and persistence mechanisms within targeted environments. Security researchers have identified this issue as mapping to CWE-121 which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, while the operational exploitation patterns align with ATT&CK technique T1068 which covers local privilege escalation through kernel exploits.
Organizations running affected Windows versions should implement immediate mitigations including disabling cloud file synchronization services when possible, applying security patches from Microsoft as soon as they become available, and monitoring for unusual file system activity that might indicate exploitation attempts. Network segmentation strategies should be employed to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation, while endpoint detection and response solutions should be configured to monitor for kernel-level anomalies and suspicious driver behavior. System administrators should also consider implementing application control policies that restrict access to potentially vulnerable cloud storage applications until proper security patches are deployed across all affected systems.
The broader implications of this vulnerability extend beyond immediate privilege escalation as it demonstrates the inherent risks associated with kernel-mode drivers in modern operating systems, particularly those handling networked file operations and cloud integration services. This flaw underscores the critical importance of thorough code review processes for kernel-level components and highlights the need for robust input validation mechanisms throughout all system components. Security teams should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments of their cloud storage integrations and ensure that proper security controls are in place to detect and prevent exploitation attempts before they can be leveraged for more sophisticated attacks including lateral movement and data exfiltration operations.