Privilege escalation in Microsoft Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL2) Kernel

1) Race condition

EUVDB-ID: #VU69132

Risk: Low

CVSSv3.1: 6.1 [CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:H/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H/E:U/RL:O/RC:C]

CVE-ID: CVE-2022-38014

CWE-ID: CWE-362 - Concurrent Execution using Shared Resource with Improper Synchronization ('Race Condition')

Exploit availability: No

Description

The vulnerability allows a local user to escalate privileges on the system.

The vulnerability exists due to a race condition in Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL2) Kernel. A local user can exploit the race and gain unauthorized access to sensitive information and escalate privileges on the system.

Mitigation

Install updates from vendor's website.

Vulnerable software versions

Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL2): All versions

Azure EFLOW: All versions

CPE2.3

• cpe:2.3:a:microsoft:windows_subsystem_for_linux_wsl2:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:
• cpe:2.3:a:microsoft:azure_eflow:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:

External links

http://portal.msrc.microsoft.com/en-US/security-guidance/advisory/CVE-2022-38014

Q & A

Can this vulnerability be exploited remotely?

No. This vulnerability can be exploited locally. The attacker should have authentication credentials and successfully authenticate on the system.

Is there known malware, which exploits this vulnerability?

No. We are not aware of malware exploiting this vulnerability.