CVE-2022-26028 - Uncontrolled Search Path Vulnerability in Intel(R) VTune(TM) Profiler Software: Exploit Details, Mitigation, and Patch Information

A recently discovered vulnerability known as CVE-2022-26028 affects Intel(R) VTune(TM) Profiler software. An uncontrolled search path exists in the software, potentially allowing an authenticated user to escalate their privileges through local access. This post will provide a detailed explanation of the vulnerability, including code snippets, links to original references, and exploit details. We recommend updating to the latest version of Intel(R) VTune(TM) Profiler (2022.2.) to mitigate the risks associated with this vulnerability.

Exploit Details

CVE-2022-26028 is a security vulnerability that stems from an uncontrolled search path element in the Intel(R) VTune(TM) Profiler software versions prior to 2022.2.. This vulnerability occurs when a software application loads a dynamic library, and the library search path can be tampered with by an attacker, potentially allowing them to load a malicious library in place of the intended library.

As a result, an attacker with local access to the machine can potentially exploit this vulnerability to escalate their privileges, effectively bypassing any security mechanisms in place.

Code Snippet

The following code snippet demonstrates a potential exploitation of the uncontrolled search path vulnerability:

#include <iostream>
#include <Windows.h>

int main() {
    HMODULE hModule = LoadLibrary("vulnerable_library.dll");
    if (hModule) {
        std::cout << "Vulnerable Library Loaded" << std::endl;
        FreeLibrary(hModule);
    } else {
        std::cout << "Failed to load vulnerable library" << std::endl;
    }
    return ;
}

In this example, if an attacker plants a malicious DLL named "vulnerable_library.dll" in a location earlier in the search path, the LoadLibrary call will load the malicious DLL instead of the intended library, potentially allowing the attacker to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the targeted application.

For more information about CVE-2022-26028, consult the following resources

1. NVD (National Vulnerability Database) Entry: https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2022-26028
2. Intel Security Advisory: https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/security-center/advisories/intel-sa-00652.html

Mitigation and Patch Information

The primary mitigation for this vulnerability is to update the Intel(R) VTune(TM) Profiler software to version 2022.2. or later. Updating to the latest version will ensure that the uncontrolled search path vulnerability is resolved, reducing the potential risk of privilege escalation attacks.

Limit the number of users with local access to the computer running Intel(R) VTune(TM) Profiler.

2. Avoid using administrator accounts when running Intel(R) VTune(TM) Profiler to reduce the impact of potential privilege escalation.

Conclusion

CVE-2022-26028 is a security vulnerability that affects the Intel(R) VTune(TM) Profiler software before version 2022.2.. The vulnerability results from an uncontrolled search path that may allow an authenticated user to escalate their privileges through local access. As a preventive measure, please update the Intel(R) VTune(TM) Profiler software to the latest version, and follow the recommended security practices to reduce the impact of any potential exploitation.

Timeline

Published on: 11/11/2022 16:15:00 UTC
Last modified on: 11/17/2022 22:22:00 UTC