*Posted on July 2024*

Microsoft Dynamics GP is a well-known enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution used by organizations around the world. But even widely-trusted platforms can have serious security holes. In January 2022, Microsoft published details about a vulnerability tracked as CVE-2022-23272 — an elevation of privilege bug affecting Microsoft Dynamics GP. This vulnerability is different from its close cousins, CVE-2022-23271 and CVE-2022-23273, with its own specific risks and exploit paths.

This deep dive explains, in plain language, what CVE-2022-23272 is, how it can be exploited, the potential dangers, and what you can do to stay protected. We’ll show simplified code and highlight references for further reading. Everything here is exclusive and tailored to help you get a clear understanding—even if you’re not an expert sysadmin.

What is CVE-2022-23272? – In Simple Terms

CVE-2022-23272 is an Elevation of Privilege vulnerability in Microsoft Dynamics GP. This means it could let an attacker gain higher permissions than they’re supposed to have, potentially allowing them to access sensitive data or execute code as another user.

Official Description

> “Microsoft Dynamics GP Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability. An attacker who successfully exploited this vulnerability could run processes in the context of another user. The update addresses the vulnerability by correcting how Microsoft Dynamics GP handles files in certain scenarios.”
>
> — _Microsoft Security Guide_

How Does the Exploit Work?

Although technical details are light from Microsoft, the root issue is related to how Dynamics GP handles certain files or processes with weak permissions. In a usual deployment, an authenticated attacker could exploit the flaw by replacing or modifying files that the software trusts or executes.

Attacker gains access as a low-privileged user on a system running Microsoft Dynamics GP.

2. The attacker finds a file or process linked to Dynamics GP that runs with SYSTEM or higher privileges, but is world-writable or improperly permissioned.
3. By replacing or altering this file, the attacker tricks GP (or the underlying OS) into running malicious code with elevated permissions.

Example Code Snippet

Here’s a simplified pseudo-Python example of what an attacker might do, *if* the installation allowed “everyone” to write to a service EXE or DLL:

import os

# Path to a GP service running with high privileges
service_path = r'C:\Program Files\Microsoft Dynamics\GP\gpservice.exe'

# Confirm we have write access
if os.access(service_path, os.W_OK):
    # Overwrite with a malicious executable
    with open(service_path, 'wb') as f:
        f.write(b'\x4D\x5A...\x00')  # (malicious PE file bytes)
    print("Service file replaced! Wait for it to be executed with elevated rights.")
else:
    print("Do not have permission to modify the file.")

*This is for educational *demonstration only*! Don’t ever run untrusted code.*

Why Is This Dangerous?

- Full System Compromise: If the attacker’s payload is run as SYSTEM, they gain complete control over the computer.
- Data Exfiltration: The attacker could access company financial and HR data stored in Dynamics GP.

CVE-2022-23273: Focuses on a different function or module, usually with a different root cause.

*It’s vital to patch all these issues, as each can be leveraged in a chained attack.*

Microsoft’s Official Fix

Microsoft released patches in January 2022. Apply the latest update for Dynamics GP as soon as possible:

- CVE-2022-23272 Guidance and Updates

Additional Recommendations

- Check Permissions: Audit Dynamics GP folders and files. Make sure only trusted users have write access.

Technical References & Further Reading

- Microsoft Security Guidance for CVE-2022-23272
- Dynamics GP Team official blog
- NVD Entry for CVE-2022-23272
- Microsoft Patch Tuesday - January 2022

Conclusion

Vulnerabilities like CVE-2022-23272 remind us that even business-critical software isn’t free from serious security bugs. Even if you trust your users, misconfigurations or overlooked flaws can give an attacker the foot in the door they need.

Patch your Dynamics GP servers right away and stay one step ahead.

Timeline

Published on: 02/09/2022 17:15:00 UTC
Last modified on: 02/14/2022 18:36:00 UTC