NextSeq 550Dx: Improper Privilege Management
CVE-2022-1517 is a critical-severity improper privilege management vulnerability in NextSeq 550Dx from Illumina, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 9.8 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an unauthenticated attacker, without any action from a user. Affected NextSeq 550Dx versions: LRM Versions 1.3 to 3.1. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 1.89% chance of exploitation within 30 days, higher than 80% of scored CVEs.
Critical severity: a successful attack would have severe impact.
What to do
- Check which version of NextSeq 550Dx you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
- Until you can update, restrict network access to the affected service so it is not reachable from untrusted networks.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Illumina | NextSeq 550Dx | LRM Versions 1.3 to 3.1 | Not stated |
| Illumina | MiSeq Dx | LRM Versions 1.3 to 3.1 | Not stated |
| Illumina | NextSeq 500 Instrument | LRM Versions 1.3 to 3.1 | Not stated |
| Illumina | NextSeq 550 Instrument | LRM Versions 1.3 to 3.1 | Not stated |
| Illumina | MiSeq Instrument | LRM Versions 1.3 to 3.1 | Not stated |
| Illumina | iSeq 100 Instrument | LRM Versions 1.3 to 3.1 | Not stated |
| Illumina | MiniSeq Instrument | LRM Versions 1.3 to 3.1 | Not stated |
| Illumina | Local Run Manager | 1.3 through 3.1 | Not stated |
Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.
How the severity score breaks down
- Attack vector
- NetworkCan be exploited remotely over a network, including the internet.
- Attack complexity
- LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
- Privileges required
- NoneNo account or login is needed.
- User interaction
- NoneNo action by a victim is required.
- Scope
- UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
- Confidentiality
- HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
- Integrity
- HighData or code can be modified at will.
- Availability
- HighThe component can be taken down completely.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by NVD.
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 3.1 | 10.0 | Critical | CNA (hq.dhs.gov) |
| CVSS 3.1 | 9.8 | Critical | NVD |
| CVSS 2.0 | 10.0 | High | NVD |
Official description
LRM utilizes elevated privileges. An unauthenticated malicious actor can upload and execute code remotely at the operating system level, which can allow an attacker to change settings, configurations, software, or access sensitive data on the affected produc. An attacker could also exploit this vulnerability to access APIs not intended for general use and interact through the network.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Improper Privilege Management
The product does not properly assign, modify, track, or check privileges for an actor, creating an unintended sphere of control for that actor.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Very carefully manage the setting, management, and handling of privileges. Explicitly manage trust zones in the software.
- Follow the principle of least privilege when assigning access rights to entities in a software system.
- Consider following the principle of separation of privilege. Require multiple conditions to be met before permitting access to a system resource.
More Improper Privilege Management vulnerabilities (CWE-269)
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: yes, technical impact: total).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Third-party and government advisories
- cisa.gov/uscert/ics/advisories/icsa-22-153-02Third Party Advisory, US Government Resource
Other vulnerabilities in NextSeq 550Dx
- 9.8 Critical severity
Recent Improper Privilege Management vulnerabilities
- 7.5 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
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