CVE-2022-24767 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

GitHub: Git for Windows' uninstaller vulnerable to DLL hijacking when run under the SYSTEM user account.

Understanding CVE-2022-24767

This CVE affects multiple versions of Microsoft Visual Studio, causing an elevation of privilege vulnerability due to DLL hijacking in Git for Windows' uninstaller.

What is CVE-2022-24767?

CVE-2022-24767 highlights an elevation of privilege vulnerability in Microsoft Visual Studio versions 2017, 2019, and 2022. The issue arises from DLL hijacking within Git for Windows' uninstaller when executed by the SYSTEM user account.

The Impact of CVE-2022-24767

The vulnerability allows an attacker to elevate privileges on the affected system, potentially leading to unauthorized access, data manipulation, and further exploitation of the compromised system.

Technical Details of CVE-2022-24767

This section dives into the specifics of the vulnerability, including the description, affected systems, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability stems from the improper handling of DLL loading by Git for Windows' uninstaller when run under the SYSTEM user account, enabling malicious actors to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges.

Affected Systems and Versions

Microsoft Visual Studio versions 2017 (15.0 - 15.8), 2019 (16.0 - 16.11), and 2022 (17.0 - 17.1) are affected by CVE-2022-24767, making users of these versions susceptible to privilege escalation attacks.

Exploitation Mechanism

Exploiting this vulnerability involves manipulating the DLL search order to load a malicious DLL, thereby executing arbitrary code with elevated privileges within the context of the SYSTEM user account.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2022-24767, immediate actions, long-term security practices, and patching recommendations are crucial.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to refrain from executing Git for Windows' uninstaller until a patch or mitigation is available. Implement user account controls to limit privileges and monitor systems for suspicious activities.

Long-Term Security Practices

Incorporating the principle of least privilege, regular security audits, and maintaining up-to-date security protocols can help prevent similar privilege escalation vulnerabilities in the future.

Patching and Updates

Stay vigilant for security updates and patches from Microsoft for the affected Visual Studio versions. Applying these patches promptly can mitigate the risk of exploitation and enhance the overall security posture of the systems.