CVE-2022-41974 is a high-severity vulnerability found in multipath-tools versions 0.7.0 through 0.9.x before 0.9.2. This vulnerability allows local users to obtain root access, as exploited alone or in conjunction with CVE-2022-41973. Local users capable of writing to UNIX domain sockets can bypass access controls and manipulate the multipath setup, leading to local privilege escalation to root. This occurs because an attacker can repeat a keyword, which is mishandled due to the inappropriate use of arithmetic ADD instead of bitwise OR.
The CVSS score for this vulnerability is 7.8, classified as high severity. The implications of this vulnerability are significant, given that it can lead to unauthorized access and control over critical system functions, which could potentially compromise the entire environment.
Organizations using affected versions of multipath-tools must prioritize patching to mitigate risks associated with this vulnerability. The urgency is heightened, as local privilege escalation can enable attackers to gain full control over systems, potentially leading to data breaches or further exploitation.
As of now, there is a known exploit for this vulnerability, making it even more critical for organizations to address this issue in their patching cycles.
Vulnerability Details
The vulnerability allows local users to exploit the multipath-tools functionality, which is integral to managing multiple paths to storage devices. The flaw resides in the way the software processes specific commands, allowing unauthorized privilege escalation.
The vulnerability is classified under CWE-269: Improper Privilege Management, indicating that the software fails to enforce proper authorization checks.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability lies in the mishandling of arithmetic operations within the multipath-tools code. Specifically, an attacker can manipulate the processing of keywords, leading to unexpected behaviors that bypass intended access controls. The attack vector is local, meaning that an attacker must have local access to exploit this vulnerability.
The attack complexity is low, requiring minimal technical skill to exploit. Privileges required to exploit the vulnerability are also low, meaning that any local user can potentially take advantage of it without elevated permissions.
User interaction is not required for exploitation, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous. The impacts on confidentiality, integrity, and availability are all classified as high, indicating a serious threat to organizations utilizing affected systems.
Risk & Impact Analysis
Risk to organizations includes potential unauthorized access to sensitive data and complete control over system resources. The blast radius for this vulnerability is significant, as exploitation could lead to further attacks or data breaches across interconnected systems.
Given the current exploit availability, organizations should prioritize patching immediately. The vulnerability's existence in widely used tools increases the likelihood of exploitation in the wild, making rapid remediation critical.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | Yes |
Public PoC | Yes |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The affected versions of multipath-tools range from 0.7.0 through 0.9.x, specifically those versions prior to 0.9.2. Additionally, the vulnerability impacts Debian and Fedora operating systems, particularly their respective distributions.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations must upgrade their multipath-tools to version 0.9.2 or later to mitigate this vulnerability. If immediate patching is not possible, temporary workarounds include restricting access to UNIX domain sockets or implementing stricter access controls. Configuration hardening and network controls should also be reviewed to enhance security posture.
For further guidance on security practices, organizations can refer to penetration testing services to assess their systems for vulnerabilities.
Detection Guidance
To detect potential exploitation of this vulnerability, organizations should monitor logs for unusual access patterns to UNIX domain sockets, unexpected changes to multipath configurations, and any unauthorized attempts to escalate privileges.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
This vulnerability highlights the ongoing risks associated with improper privilege management in widely used tools. It serves as a reminder for organizations to implement strict access controls and regularly review their security configurations to prevent unauthorized access.
For further insights into managing vulnerabilities, organizations can explore our resources on vulnerability management programs and the importance of penetration testing methodologies in identifying and remediating vulnerabilities.
Additionally, organizations should stay informed about emerging threats and vulnerabilities to enhance their overall security posture.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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