CVE-2022-41699
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability in Intel QAT drivers for Windows allows authenticated local users to escalate privileges by exploiting incorrect permission assignments. It affects systems running vulnerable Intel QAT driver versions on Windows. Attackers could gain elevated system privileges.
💻 Affected Systems
- Intel QuickAssist Technology (QAT) drivers for Windows
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Full system compromise with SYSTEM/administrator privileges, allowing complete control over the affected system, data theft, and lateral movement.
Likely Case
Local privilege escalation to SYSTEM/administrator level, enabling installation of malware, persistence mechanisms, or credential harvesting.
If Mitigated
Limited impact with proper access controls, but still significant risk due to local authenticated access requirement.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires local authenticated access. The CWE-732 (Incorrect Permission Assignment) suggests straightforward exploitation once access is obtained.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 1.9.0 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/security-center/advisory/intel-sa-00778.html
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Download Intel QAT driver version 1.9.0 or later from Intel's website. 2. Uninstall current QAT driver. 3. Install updated driver. 4. Restart system.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Remove vulnerable driver
windowsUninstall Intel QAT driver if not required for system functionality
Control Panel > Programs > Uninstall Intel QAT Driver
Restrict local access
windowsImplement strict local access controls and limit user privileges
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict principle of least privilege for all user accounts
- Monitor for suspicious privilege escalation attempts and driver manipulation
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check driver version in Device Manager under System devices > Intel(R) QuickAssist Technology or run: wmic path win32_pnpentity where "caption like '%Intel%QAT%'" get caption,driverVersionCheck Version:
wmic path win32_pnpentity where "caption like '%Intel%QAT%'" get caption,driverVersionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify driver version is 1.9.0 or higher using same method as checking vulnerability📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Windows Event Logs showing driver loading/unloading anomalies
- Security logs showing privilege escalation attempts
- System logs with unexpected driver modifications
Network Indicators:
- Not applicable - local exploitation only
SIEM Query:
EventID=4697 OR EventID=7045 OR (EventID=4688 AND ProcessName contains 'qat')