CVE-2022-37410
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability in Intel Thunderbolt driver software allows authenticated local users to escalate privileges due to improper access control. It affects systems with vulnerable Thunderbolt drivers before version 89. Attackers with local access could gain higher system privileges.
💻 Affected Systems
- Intel Thunderbolt driver software
⚠️ Manual Verification Required
This CVE does not have specific version information in our database, so automatic vulnerability detection cannot determine if your system is affected.
Why? The CVE database entry doesn't specify which versions are vulnerable (no version ranges provided by the vendor/NVD).
🔒 Custom verification scripts are available for registered users. Sign up free to download automated test scripts.
- Review the CVE details at NVD
- Check vendor security advisories for your specific version
- Test if the vulnerability is exploitable in your environment
- Consider updating to the latest version as a precaution
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
An authenticated attacker could gain SYSTEM/root privileges, install malware, access sensitive data, or compromise the entire system.
Likely Case
Local users could elevate privileges to install unauthorized software, modify system settings, or access restricted resources.
If Mitigated
With proper access controls and patching, impact is limited to authorized users only performing legitimate actions.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires authenticated local access. No public exploit code available at time of analysis.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Version 89 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/security-center/advisory/intel-sa-00916.html
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Visit Intel Driver & Support Assistant or download center
2. Download Thunderbolt driver version 89 or newer
3. Install the updated driver
4. Restart the system
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable Thunderbolt ports
allDisable Thunderbolt functionality in BIOS/UEFI settings to prevent driver exploitation
Restrict local access
allImplement strict local access controls and limit user privileges
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Disable Thunderbolt ports in BIOS/UEFI settings
- Implement strict local access controls and principle of least privilege
- Monitor for privilege escalation attempts and unusual driver activity
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Thunderbolt driver version in Device Manager (Windows) or via 'lspci -v' and driver info (Linux). Version below 89 indicates vulnerability.Check Version:
Windows: Check in Device Manager under 'System devices' > 'Thunderbolt Controller'. Linux: Check via 'modinfo thunderbolt' or driver version in dmesg.Verify Fix Applied:
Confirm Thunderbolt driver version is 89 or higher after update.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unexpected privilege escalation events
- Thunderbolt driver loading/unloading anomalies
- Security event logs showing local privilege changes
Network Indicators:
- Not applicable - local exploit only
SIEM Query:
Windows Security Event ID 4672 (Special privileges assigned) OR Sysmon Event ID 10 (Process access) targeting high-privilege processes from Thunderbolt-related executables