CVE-2022-38136 in oneAPI DPC++ Compiler
Summary
by MITRE • 02/06/2023
Uncontrolled search path in the Intel(R) oneAPI DPC++/C++ Compiler before version 2022.2.1 for some Intel(R) oneAPI Toolkits before version 2022.3.1 may allow an authenticated user to potentially enable escalation of privilege via local access.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/05/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-38136 represents a critical security flaw within the Intel oneAPI DPC++/C++ Compiler ecosystem, specifically affecting versions prior to 2022.2.1. This issue manifests as an uncontrolled search path problem that fundamentally compromises the integrity of the compilation process. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of library and executable search paths during the compilation workflow, creating opportunities for malicious actors to manipulate the build environment. When the compiler searches for required libraries or components, it does not adequately validate or sanitize the search paths, potentially allowing attackers to inject malicious code or binaries at critical points in the compilation sequence.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through local access by authenticated users who can manipulate the environment variables or file system paths that the compiler uses during its operation. This flaw aligns with CWE-427, which describes uncontrolled search path conditions where a program searches for files in directories that may be influenced by an attacker. The attack vector typically involves placing malicious libraries or executables in directories that the compiler searches before legitimate system directories, effectively causing the compiler to execute unintended code during the compilation process. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the compilation level, meaning that any code compiled with the affected compiler could potentially contain malicious payloads that execute during the build process.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risk for development environments where multiple users have local access to systems running the affected compiler versions. The privilege escalation potential means that an authenticated user could leverage this flaw to gain elevated system privileges, potentially compromising the entire development infrastructure. The vulnerability affects Intel oneAPI Toolkits versions before 2022.3.1, indicating that organizations using these development tools are at risk. The impact extends beyond individual machines to entire development teams, as compromised compilation processes can affect multiple projects and potentially propagate malicious code across different software components. This vulnerability directly relates to the ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers privilege escalation through local exploits, making it particularly concerning for enterprise security postures.
Organizations should immediately update to Intel oneAPI DPC++/C++ Compiler version 2022.2.1 or later to remediate this vulnerability. System administrators should also implement additional controls such as restricting write access to compiler directories and monitoring for unusual file system modifications in development environments. The mitigation strategy should include regular security assessments of development toolchains and implementation of proper access controls for system directories. Security teams should also consider implementing file integrity monitoring solutions that can detect unauthorized modifications to compiler-related directories and environment variables. Additionally, organizations should conduct thorough vulnerability scans of their development environments to identify any systems running affected versions of the Intel oneAPI Toolkits, ensuring that all development infrastructure is properly secured against this specific privilege escalation threat vector.