CVE-2022-43477 in Unison Software
Summary
by MITRE • 11/14/2023
Incomplete cleanup for some Intel Unison software may allow an authenticated user to potentially enable information disclosure via local access.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/09/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-43477 represents a significant security weakness in Intel Unison software that affects the proper handling of system cleanup operations. This issue manifests when certain components of the Intel Unison platform fail to perform complete removal procedures during uninstallation or system shutdown processes. The flaw specifically impacts the software's ability to properly dispose of sensitive data and system resources, creating potential exposure pathways for unauthorized information access.
From a technical perspective, this vulnerability stems from inadequate resource management within the Intel Unison software stack, where temporary files, configuration data, and system references are not fully purged from memory or storage during normal operational cycles. The incomplete cleanup process creates persistent artifacts that may contain sensitive information or system identifiers that could be exploited by malicious actors. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-227, which addresses incomplete cleanup of sensitive data, and represents a critical weakness in the software's resource disposal mechanisms. The flaw typically occurs when the software's uninstallation routine fails to completely remove all associated registry entries, temporary files, or memory segments that contain potentially sensitive information.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-43477 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it creates persistent attack vectors that could be leveraged by authenticated users with local system access. An attacker with legitimate user credentials could potentially exploit this vulnerability to access residual data that should have been removed during normal system operations, including user credentials, session information, or other sensitive operational data. This creates a scenario where even after a user logs out or the software is uninstalled, traces of their activities or system information may remain accessible. The vulnerability particularly affects systems where Intel Unison is deployed for remote management or enterprise device management functions, as these environments often handle highly sensitive corporate data and user information.
The exploitation of this vulnerability requires local system access and authentication, making it less severe than remote attack vectors but still highly concerning for enterprise environments where privileged accounts may be compromised. Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in the context of the ATT&CK framework, particularly under the T1070.004 technique related to "File Deletion" and T1566.001 for "Phishing" as attackers may leverage this weakness to maintain persistence or access additional system information. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management strategies to address this issue, as the vulnerability can be exploited by both insider threats and external attackers who have gained legitimate local access to affected systems. The remediation process involves ensuring that all Intel Unison software components are updated to versions that properly implement complete cleanup procedures, including thorough removal of temporary files, registry entries, and memory segments that may contain sensitive information.