CVE-2022-28965 : What You Need to Know

This article provides an overview of CVE-2022-28965, a vulnerability found in Avast Premium Security that allows for DLL hijacking, potentially leading to the execution of arbitrary code or a Denial of Service (DoS) attack.

Understanding CVE-2022-28965

This section delves into the details of the vulnerability, its impact, technical aspects, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2022-28965?

CVE-2022-28965 involves multiple DLL hijacking vulnerabilities present in the components instup.exe and wsc_proxy.exe in Avast Premium Security before version 21.11.2500, which could be exploited by attackers to run malicious code or disrupt services using a specially crafted DLL file.

The Impact of CVE-2022-28965

The vulnerability poses a significant threat as it allows threat actors to execute arbitrary code on affected systems or carry out DoS attacks, potentially leading to system compromise or disruption of services.

Technical Details of CVE-2022-28965

This section provides a detailed analysis of the vulnerability, including its description, affected systems and versions, as well as the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability stems from insecure DLL loading that could be abused by an attacker to load a malicious DLL file, leading to arbitrary code execution or DoS conditions within the Avast Premium Security software.

Affected Systems and Versions

Avast Premium Security versions prior to 21.11.2500 are affected by this vulnerability, making them susceptible to exploitation by malicious actors seeking to compromise the system.

Exploitation Mechanism

By manipulating the components instup.exe and wsc_proxy.exe, threat actors can plant a malicious DLL in the system's search path, tricking the application into loading the malicious DLL instead of the legitimate one, thereby executing unauthorized code or disrupting service.

Mitigation and Prevention

This section outlines the steps users and organizations can take to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2022-28965 and prevent potential exploitation.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to update Avast Premium Security to version 21.11.2500 or later to patch the vulnerability and prevent malicious exploitation. Additionally, users should exercise caution when handling DLL files to minimize the risk of DLL hijacking.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing secure coding practices, restricting DLL loading permissions, and conducting regular security assessments can help organizations fortify their defense against DLL hijacking vulnerabilities and other cyber threats.

Patching and Updates

Regularly updating software, applying security patches promptly, and staying informed about security advisories are crucial in maintaining a secure digital environment and safeguarding against known vulnerabilities like CVE-2022-28965.