CVE-2022-45770 in Adguard
Summary
by MITRE • 01/27/2023
Improper input validation in driver adgnetworkwfpdrv.sys in Adguard For Windows x86 up to version 7.11 allows attacker to gain local privileges escalation.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/01/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-45770 represents a critical privilege escalation flaw within the Adguard For Windows x86 driver component adgnetworkwfpdrv.sys. This issue affects versions up to and including 7.11, exposing systems to potential local attackers who can leverage improper input validation to elevate their privileges from standard user level to administrative rights. The flaw exists within the Windows Filter Platform driver that Adguard utilizes for network traffic filtering and monitoring capabilities.
The technical root cause stems from inadequate validation of input parameters passed to the kernel-mode driver component. When the driver processes user-supplied data through the adgnetworkwfpdrv.sys module, it fails to properly validate or sanitize the incoming parameters before using them in kernel-level operations. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-20 category of "Improper Input Validation" and specifically manifests as a buffer overflow or arbitrary code execution opportunity within the kernel space. The driver operates at kernel level with elevated privileges, making any input validation failure particularly dangerous as it can be exploited to execute malicious code with system-level privileges.
Operationally, this vulnerability creates a significant threat landscape for systems running affected versions of Adguard For Windows. Attackers can exploit this flaw by crafting malicious input that, when processed by the vulnerable driver, triggers privilege escalation. The attack typically requires local system access but does not need network connectivity or remote exploitation capabilities. Once successfully exploited, the attacker gains full administrative control over the compromised system, enabling them to install malware, modify system files, access sensitive data, or establish persistence mechanisms. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it can be exploited by any local user, including unprivileged accounts, making it a preferred target for both malicious actors and red teams conducting privilege escalation exercises.
Security professionals should prioritize patching this vulnerability immediately by updating to Adguard For Windows version 7.12 or later, which contains the necessary input validation fixes. System administrators should also implement monitoring for suspicious driver activity and kernel-mode operations that could indicate exploitation attempts. The mitigation strategy should include regular vulnerability assessments, proper access controls, and network segmentation to limit potential attack surface. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which covers "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation" and demonstrates the importance of kernel-level input validation as outlined in the MITRE ATT&CK framework. Organizations should also consider implementing driver signature enforcement and Windows Defender Application Control policies to prevent execution of unsigned or malicious driver components. The flaw highlights the critical need for proper kernel-mode security practices and demonstrates how seemingly minor input validation issues can result in severe privilege escalation outcomes.