Advisory Details

June 1st, 2022

Microsoft Windows Installer Service Link Following Local Privilege Escalation Vulnerability

ZDI-22-810
ZDI-CAN-16065

CVE ID CVE-2022-24499
CVSS SCORE 7.8, AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
AFFECTED VENDORS Microsoft
AFFECTED PRODUCTS Windows
VULNERABILITY DETAILS

This vulnerability allows local attackers to escalate privileges on affected installations of Microsoft Windows. An attacker must first obtain the ability to execute low-privileged code on the target system in order to exploit this vulnerability.

The specific flaw exists within the Windows Installer service. By creating a symbolic link, an attacker can abuse the service to change permissions on an arbitrary file. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges and execute arbitrary code in the context of SYSTEM.

ADDITIONAL DETAILS Microsoft has issued an update to correct this vulnerability. More details can be found at:
https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2022-24499
DISCLOSURE TIMELINE
  • 2021-12-30 - Vulnerability reported to vendor
  • 2022-06-01 - Coordinated public release of advisory
CREDIT JeongOh Kyea of THEORI
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