CVE-2022-22973 : Security Advisory and Response

VMware Workspace ONE Access and Identity Manager have been found to contain a privilege escalation vulnerability, allowing a local malicious actor to escalate privileges to 'root'. Below are the details of this CVE.

Understanding CVE-2022-22973

This section will provide insights into the nature and impact of the privilege escalation vulnerability present in VMware Workspace ONE Access and Identity Manager.

What is CVE-2022-22973?

CVE-2022-22973 is a privilege escalation vulnerability identified in VMware Workspace ONE Access and Identity Manager. This vulnerability enables an attacker with local access to elevate their privileges to 'root', gaining unauthorized control over the system.

The Impact of CVE-2022-22973

The impact of this vulnerability is significant as it allows an attacker to gain elevated privileges, potentially leading to unauthorized access, data theft, or further compromise of the affected system.

Technical Details of CVE-2022-22973

In this section, we will delve into specific technical aspects of the CVE, including the vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in VMware Workspace ONE Access and Identity Manager permits a local attacker to escalate their privileges to 'root', essentially granting them full control over the system.

Affected Systems and Versions

The versions impacted by CVE-2022-22973 are VMware Workspace ONE Access 21.08.0.1, 21.08.0.0, 20.10.0.1, 20.10.0.0, and Identity Manager 3.3.6, 3.3.5, 3.3.4, 3.3.3.

Exploitation Mechanism

The exploitation of this vulnerability requires local access to the system. By leveraging this vulnerability, an attacker can execute arbitrary code, manipulate data, and potentially disrupt the normal functioning of the affected software.

Mitigation and Prevention

This section outlines various measures that can be taken to mitigate the risks posed by CVE-2022-22973 and prevent its exploitation.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users and system administrators are advised to apply security patches provided by VMware to address the vulnerability. Additionally, restricting and monitoring local access to the affected systems can help reduce the likelihood of exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing least privilege access policies, conducting regular security audits, and staying informed about security advisories from vendors can enhance the overall security posture of an organization.

Patching and Updates

Regularly applying security updates and patches released by VMware for Workspace ONE Access and Identity Manager is crucial to ensure that systems are protected from known vulnerabilities.