CVE-2022-41998 in DCM Software
Summary
by MITRE • 05/10/2023
Uncontrolled search path in the Intel(R) DCM software before version 5.1 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-2022-41998 represents a critical security flaw within Intel's Data Center Manager (DCM) software ecosystem. This issue manifests as an uncontrolled search path condition that affects versions prior to 5.1, creating a pathway for authenticated users to potentially escalate their privileges through local system access. The vulnerability resides in the software's handling of dynamic library loading mechanisms, where the application fails to properly validate or sanitize the search paths used when loading required libraries. This weakness allows an attacker with legitimate authentication credentials to manipulate the system's library loading sequence and potentially execute malicious code with elevated privileges.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability leverages the fundamental principle of library path injection, where malicious libraries can be loaded in place of legitimate ones if the search path is not properly constrained. In the context of Intel DCM, this typically occurs when the software searches for required libraries in predictable locations without proper validation of the library sources or integrity checks. The flaw aligns with CWE-427 Uncontrolled Search Path and CWE-78 Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in OS Command, as it allows for arbitrary code execution through manipulated library loading sequences. Attackers can exploit this by placing malicious libraries in directories that are searched before legitimate system directories, effectively hijacking the application's execution flow.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it can enable attackers to gain unauthorized access to sensitive system resources and data within the data center environment. Organizations using Intel DCM for monitoring and managing their data center infrastructure face significant risk, as the compromised system could potentially provide access to critical operational data, network configurations, and control mechanisms. The vulnerability's local access requirement means that attackers must already have legitimate user credentials, but this access level provides sufficient leverage to compromise the entire system. This scenario particularly affects environments where administrative privileges are not adequately separated from standard user accounts, creating a potential attack vector that could lead to complete system compromise.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-41998 should prioritize immediate software updates to version 5.1 or later, where Intel has implemented proper search path validation mechanisms. Organizations should also implement additional security controls such as restricting write permissions to library directories, implementing strict library loading policies, and monitoring for suspicious library loading activities. The solution aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 Privilege Escalation and T1548 Abuse of System Permissions, as it addresses the underlying mechanisms that allow for privilege escalation through improper library loading. Security teams should also conduct comprehensive audits of all systems running Intel DCM to identify potential malicious library placements and implement automated monitoring for unauthorized changes to system library paths. Regular security assessments and privilege access reviews become essential components of the remediation strategy to prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities in other software components.