CVE-2022-4990 in AI Suite 3
Summary
by MITRE • 07/03/2026
** UNSUPPORTED WHEN ASSIGNED ** Improper Validation of Specified Quantity in Input in the ASUS AI Suite 3 driver allows a local user to bypass security validation and access restricted memory blocks via crafted IOCTL requests, leading to privilege escalation.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/03/2026
This vulnerability resides within the ASUS AI Suite 3 driver where inadequate input validation occurs during processing of specified quantity parameters in IOCTL requests. The flaw represents a classic improper input validation issue that enables malicious actors to manipulate driver behavior through crafted system calls. The vulnerability manifests when the driver fails to properly validate the size or count parameters provided in IOCTL commands, allowing attackers to specify arbitrary quantities that bypass normal security checks. This weakness creates an opportunity for privilege escalation as the driver's insufficient validation permits access to memory regions that should remain restricted to authorized processes only.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability follows established patterns found in kernel-mode driver exploitation techniques where input parameters control memory access boundaries and validation logic. When a local user crafts specific IOCTL requests with manipulated quantity values, the driver's validation routines fail to properly sanitize these inputs, leading to improper memory access behavior. The flaw directly relates to CWE-129 which describes improper validation of array indices or quantities, and can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1068 which covers privilege escalation through kernel exploits. This vulnerability operates at the kernel level where the driver executes with elevated privileges, making successful exploitation particularly dangerous as it allows attackers to bypass normal operating system security mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation to potentially enable complete system compromise when combined with other attack vectors. Local users can leverage this weakness to gain elevated access rights and execute arbitrary code within kernel space, which typically provides unrestricted access to system resources including memory, registry keys, and device drivers. The vulnerability's local nature means that attackers do not require network connectivity or remote exploitation capabilities, making it particularly concerning for environments where local access is possible. Attackers can use this privilege escalation opportunity to install rootkits, modify system files, disable security features, or establish persistent backdoors within the target system.
Mitigation strategies should focus on both immediate patching and defensive measures against exploitation attempts. System administrators must prioritize applying official driver updates from ASUS that address the input validation flaw in the AI Suite 3 component. Additionally, implementing kernel-mode exploit protection mechanisms such as Control Flow Guard and Driver Signature Enforcement can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. The system should also enforce least privilege principles where possible, limiting local user access to systems running vulnerable drivers. Monitoring for suspicious IOCTL activity patterns and implementing behavioral analysis tools can help detect potential exploitation attempts before they succeed. Organizations should consider disabling unnecessary ASUS AI Suite components when not actively required for system functionality, reducing the attack surface available to potential exploiters.