External risk intelligence

Windows LSA Spoofing Vulnerability Poses Risk to Organizations.

CVE advisoryKnown Exploit

CVE-2022-26925

A vulnerability in Windows LSA allows attackers to impersonate systems and authenticate to networks. This poses a risk to organizations by potentially enabling unauthorized access and the compromise of sensitive data. Affected organizations should address this vulnerability to mitigate business impact.

2Halo Surface Signal

Missing Authentication

Microsoft Windows 10 1507

before 10.0.10240.19297before 10.0.14393.5125before 10.0.17763.2928before 10.0.18363.2274before 10.0.19042.1706before 10.0.19043.1706before 10.0.19044.1706before 10.0.22000.675r2b...

External exposure likelihood

Halo Surface Signal score for CVE-2022-26925

The vulnerability involves the Local Security Authority (LSA) on Windows systems. While it can be triggered via network protocols like NTLM, these services are typically internal-facing and restricted to domain-joined environments rather than exposed directly to the public internet. Public internet exposure for this specific authentication mechanism is uncommon.

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

Windows operating systems contain a vulnerability within the Local Security Authority (LSA) component. This flaw allows for spoofing, where an attacker can compel a domain controller to authenticate to the attacker's system using NTLM. The impact of this vulnerability can include unauthorized access and compromise of sensitive credentials.

  • Vulnerable: Windows LSA
  • Flaw: Allows attacker spoofing
  • Impact: Credential compromise

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

This vulnerability affects the Local Security Authority (LSA) in Windows systems. An attacker can exploit this by tricking a domain controller into authenticating to the attacker's system using NTLM. This can lead to an attacker gaining unauthorized access and potentially compromising the integrity of the accessed data.

  • Exposure condition: Unspecified
  • Attacker starting point: Network
  • Trigger and result: LSA spoofing, unauthorized access

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

A vulnerability in the Windows Local Security Authority (LSA) allows an attacker to impersonate a system to authenticate to a network. This could permit unauthorized access to sensitive resources or the execution of further malicious activities within the network. Organizations should prioritize addressing this vulnerability to mitigate potential business risks.

  • Likely attacker skill level: Moderate.
  • Required access or conditions: Network access, no special privileges.
  • Business risk or urgency: High, requires immediate attention.

Priority actions

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

A vulnerability in the Windows Local Security Authority (LSA) allows for spoofing, which could lead to unauthorized authentication. This impacts affected Windows operating systems, potentially exposing sensitive data and systems to risk. Organizations should take immediate steps to address this vulnerability to mitigate potential business impact.

  • Identify all Windows systems.
  • Limit network access to LSA services.
  • Apply vendor updates and verify.
  • Monitor for suspicious authentication.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Windows LSA Spoofing Vulnerability (CVE-2022-26925) and what systems does it affect?

The Windows LSA Spoofing Vulnerability, identified as CVE-2022-26925, is a flaw within the Local Security Authority (LSA) component of Windows operating systems. This vulnerability allows an attacker to compel a domain controller to authenticate to the attacker's system using NTLM. It affects a wide range of Windows versions, including Windows 10 (various versions), Windows 11, Windows 7, Windows 8.1, and several Windows Server versions.

How does the Windows LSA Spoofing Vulnerability (CVE-2022-26925) work?

This vulnerability operates through a spoofing mechanism within the Windows Local Security Authority (LSA). An attacker can exploit this by tricking a domain controller into authenticating to the attacker's system using the NTLM protocol. This process can lead to the attacker gaining unauthorized access and potentially compromising sensitive credentials.

What is the potential impact of CVE-2022-26925 if exploited?

Exploitation of the Windows LSA Spoofing Vulnerability can lead to significant security risks. An attacker could gain unauthorized access to sensitive resources within the network and potentially compromise the integrity of accessed data by impersonating a legitimate system to authenticate. This could permit further malicious activities within the network.

What is the relevance of the Halo Surface Signal for CVE-2022-26925?

The Halo Surface Signal indicates that CVE-2022-26925 is 'Unlikely' to be exposed directly to the public internet. This is because the vulnerability affects the Local Security Authority (LSA) and relies on internal-facing protocols like NTLM, which are typically restricted to domain-joined environments rather than being directly accessible from the internet.

What practical steps should organizations take to address the Windows LSA Spoofing Vulnerability?

To address this vulnerability, organizations should identify all affected Windows systems, limit network access to LSA services where possible, and promptly apply vendor updates. It is crucial to verify the successful application of these updates and to actively monitor for any suspicious authentication activities that may indicate exploitation.

References