CVE-2022-35758 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE • 05/31/2023
Windows Kernel Memory Information Disclosure Vulnerability
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/31/2023
This vulnerability represents a critical information disclosure flaw within the windows kernel that allows unauthorized access to sensitive memory regions containing system information and potentially confidential data. The issue stems from improper handling of memory management operations where kernel functions fail to adequately protect memory boundaries during information retrieval processes. Attackers can exploit this weakness to extract kernel memory contents including process credentials, cryptographic keys, and system configuration details that should remain protected from user-mode access.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the exploitation of kernel memory management routines that do not properly validate memory access permissions or enforce appropriate security boundaries. When legitimate system calls attempt to retrieve kernel memory information, the underlying code fails to implement proper access controls that would normally prevent unauthorized data exposure. This flaw typically manifests through specific kernel API functions or system calls that provide memory inspection capabilities without sufficient privilege checks. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the kernel level where all system protections are theoretically disabled for the malicious process.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure to potentially enable more sophisticated attacks including privilege escalation and lateral movement within compromised systems. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can gain access to sensitive kernel memory structures that may contain process tokens, security descriptors, or other authentication-related data. This information can then be leveraged to escalate privileges or craft more targeted attacks against the system. The vulnerability affects multiple windows versions including server and desktop operating systems where kernel memory management is utilized for system operations.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing comprehensive kernel memory protection mechanisms and ensuring proper privilege validation for all memory access operations. System administrators should apply security patches promptly to address known vulnerabilities and implement monitoring solutions that detect unauthorized memory access attempts. The mitigation approach aligns with cybersecurity frameworks such as the mitre ATT&CK matrix where this vulnerability maps to techniques involving kernel memory manipulation and information discovery. Organizations should also consider implementing micro-segmentation strategies to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation and establish robust incident response procedures for detecting and responding to memory disclosure events.
This vulnerability type is categorized under common weakness enumeration CWE-200 which specifically addresses information exposure and improper information access control within system components. The flaw demonstrates how insufficient kernel memory protection can create persistent security risks that may remain undetected for extended periods. Security hardening measures including kernel patching, memory protection policies, and runtime monitoring should be implemented as part of comprehensive defense-in-depth strategies. Additionally, regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should include checks for kernel memory access controls to identify potential exposure points before they can be exploited by malicious actors.