In the fast-evolving world of browsers, security is always a top concern—especially when it comes to major players like Microsoft Edge. In 2022, a critical vulnerability tracked as CVE-2022-29146 was discovered in Microsoft Edge (Chromium-based). This exploit can let attackers gain higher-level privileges on a target system. Let’s break down what this means, how it works, and what you should do to stay safe.

What is an Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability?

Elevation of privilege (EoP) is when someone gains access rights higher than they’re supposed to have. Think of it as a guest suddenly getting admin powers—dangerous if the wrong hands get control.

CVSS Score: 6.5 (Medium)

- Microsoft Advisory: MSRC CVE-2022-29146

In Simple Words

A flaw in the way Microsoft Edge (Chromium-based) handles certain processes can let a regular user run code as if they were someone more powerful, like an administrator.

How the Exploit Works

According to official sources, the vulnerability exists due to improper enforcement of permissions in privileged Chrome extensions and Edge-specific features. An attacker, using a specially crafted script or webpage, could leverage this flaw to escalate their access.

Here’s a simplified step-by-step

1. Lure: The attacker tricks the user into visiting a malicious website or running a harmful extension.
2. Exploit: Malicious JavaScript or extension code runs in Edge, taking advantage of the permission flaw.
3. Elevate: The code manages to bypass regular user restrictions, gaining higher privileges like those of an administrator.
4. Payload: With elevated privileges, the attacker can potentially install programs, view, change, or delete data, or create new accounts.

Code Example: Exploiting the Flaw

While Microsoft has not released a public Proof of Concept (PoC) for this vulnerability, a similar approach can be illustrated using Chrome extension code and JavaScript. Note: This is a NON-Malicious illustration for educational purposes.

// manifest.json
{
  "manifest_version": 2,
  "name": "Edge Privilege Test",
  "version": "1.",
  "permissions": ["tabs", "activeTab", "nativeMessaging"],
  "background": {
    "scripts": ["background.js"]
  }
}

// background.js
chrome.runtime.onInstalled.addListener(() => {
  chrome.tabs.create({ url: "https://example.com"; });
});

chrome.runtime.onMessage.addListener((message, sender, sendResponse) => {
  // Attempt to interact with system-level APIs or send messages to a native app
  if (message.runPrivilege) {
    // If the vulnerability exists, this could succeed unexpectedly
    // Example action: send system command (blocked by modern browsers)
    chrome.runtime.sendNativeMessage(
      "com.edge.nativehelper",
      { command: "whoami" },
      function(response) {
        console.log(response);
      }
    );
  }
});

What this does: If there’s a flaw like CVE-2022-29146, the malicious extension may interact with privileged APIs or components it shouldn't have access to, like native messaging hosts.

Detection and Real-World Scenarios

Attackers could combine CVE-2022-29146 with social engineering—convincing users to install an extension or visit a specific site. Since privileges could spill over from Edge processes, malware could gain a foothold on the device.

The malicious extension uses the vulnerability to open communication channels to system processes.

- The extension silently installs other malware or alters system settings, bypassing typical user permission prompts.

Patched in: Edge version 102..1245.30 and later.

Edge Release Notes

Action Required:

References

- Microsoft Security Advisory
- Edge Release Notes – June 2022
- CVE Details
- Microsoft Chromium Edge Docs

Conclusion

CVE-2022-29146 is a reminder that even mainstream browsers can have dangerous hidden flaws. Elevation of privilege exploits like this can open doors for malware, data theft, or worse. Regular updates and safe browsing habits are essential for staying protected. If you use Microsoft Edge, ensure you’re running the newest version—and be wary of installing extensions from outside the official store.

Stay safe, and keep your software up to date!

*Written exclusively for this post. For educational purposes only. Always use responsible disclosure and patch your systems promptly.*

Timeline

Published on: 06/29/2023 01:15:00 UTC
Last modified on: 07/07/2023 15:35:00 UTC