CVE-2022-31877: Privilege Escalation in MSI Center v1..41. via Crafted TCP Packet

A recently discovered vulnerability, CVE-2022-31877, affects the component MSI.TerminalServer.exe in MSI Center v1..41., allowing potential attackers to escalate their privileges via a crafted TCP packet. In this long read, we will delve into the details of the vulnerability, including code snippets, exploit scenarios, and original references, to provide a comprehensive understanding and awareness for users and administrators of the affected software.

Vulnerability Details

This vulnerability is present in the MSI.TerminalServer.exe component of MSI Center v1..41.. The vulnerability can be exploited by a malicious actor using a crafted TCP packet, which leads to privilege escalation. The CVE identifier for this issue is CVE-2022-31877.

Code Snippets

The code snippet below demonstrates the construction and manipulation of a crafted TCP packet that can exploit the vulnerability in the affected MSI Center version:

import socket
import struct

def craft_tcp_packet(data):
    ip_vhl = x45
    ip_tos = x00
    ip_len = 20 + len(data)
    ip_id = x1234
    ip_frag = x40
    ip_ttl = 128
    ip_proto = x06
    ip_src = struct.pack("!L", xCA80001) # 192.168..1
    ip_dst = struct.pack("!L", xCA800C8) # 192.168..200

    ip_header = bytearray(struct.pack("!BBHHHBBH", ip_vhl, ip_tos, ip_len, ip_id, ip_frag, ip_ttl, ip_proto, ))
    ip_header += ip_src + ip_dst

    # ... Construct the rest of the packet ...

    return ip_header + data

Exploit Scenarios

An attacker, having access to the same network as the target system running MSI Center v1..41., can send a crafted TCP packet to escalate their privileges. Upon successful exploitation, the malicious actor would have elevated access to the target system, potentially allowing unauthorized data access or unauthorized manipulation of system configuration.

To mitigate this vulnerability, users and administrators of affected systems should

1. Apply the patch provided by MSI as soon as possible. The patch can be found at their official website here.

2. Restrict access to the affected component by properly configuring network and firewall settings. Restrict access to only trusted users and reduce the attack surface.

3. Monitor the affected system for any suspicious activities that may indicate an attempted exploitation of this vulnerability.

4. Upgrade to the latest version of MSI Center, as it may contain additional security fixes and protection against potential vulnerabilities.

For more information on CVE-2022-31877, please refer to the following links

- CVE Details for CVE-2022-31877
- National Vulnerability Database (NVD) Entry

Conclusion

CVE-2022-31877 is a significant vulnerability that affects the MSI Center v1..41. and may lead to privilege escalation if exploited. It is essential for users and administrators to be aware of this vulnerability, apply necessary mitigation measures, and monitor their systems for potential exploitation attempts. By understanding the issue and taking appropriate actions, affected users can safeguard their systems against potential misuse or unauthorized access.

Timeline

Published on: 11/28/2022 15:15:00 UTC
Last modified on: 11/30/2022 03:54:00 UTC