CVE-2022-41055 - Breaking Down the Windows HID Information Disclosure Vulnerability

In late 2022, security researchers uncovered a flaw in Microsoft Windows that might have slipped under the radar for most everyday users. This vulnerability, known as CVE-2022-41055, opened a window—quite literally—for attackers to peek into sensitive information using Human Interface Devices, or HIDs for short. If you’re curious about how attackers could exploit this bug, what it means for your security, and how it works under the hood, this read is just for you.

What is CVE-2022-41055?

CVE-2022-41055 refers to a security vulnerability found in Windows that allows an attacker to disclose information from memory through mishandled Human Interface Device (HID) interactions. HIDs are the backbone that connects devices like keyboards, mice, and even game controllers to your computer. If a device is plugged in, it speaks to Windows using standard HID protocols.

In simpler terms: If someone can connect a suspicious device to your machine, they might grab sensitive information—think passwords, tokens, or other secrets—from memory they shouldn’t have access to.

In shared computer settings — public libraries, school labs

- On corporate/lab computers — if someone can physically access your computer

In targeted attacks — if an adversary can convincingly get you to connect a device

This isn’t a remote code execution bug, but a *local* one. The attacker needs to have physical access or somehow trick you into plugging in a malicious HID.

Let’s break down the attack

1. Preparing the Malicious Device: The attacker creates a custom USB device that pretends to be a HID (keyboard/mouse).
2. Plug and Play: Once connected, the custom device starts communicating with Windows via the HID stack.
3. Abusing the Vulnerability: The attacker’s device sends malformed or specially crafted HID requests using the HID protocol.
4. Leaking Data: Due to a bug in how Windows handles the buffer for this device, it inadvertently returns bits of memory—possibly including sensitive data!

Here’s a (Simplified) Code Snippet for the Exploit

Below is a hypothetical example in C, emulating a part of the exploit on the attacker’s device (for educational purposes only):

// Pseudo code for malicious HID interaction
#include <windows.h>
#include <setupapi.h>
#include <hidsdi.h>

// Open HID device handle (already plugged in)
HANDLE hDevice = CreateFile("\\\\.\\HID#VID_XXXX&PID_YYYY#", 
    GENERIC_READ | GENERIC_WRITE, , NULL, OPEN_EXISTING, , NULL);

if (hDevice != INVALID_HANDLE_VALUE) {
    BYTE maliciousReport[64];
    // Fill buffer with crafted data to trigger bug
    memset(maliciousReport, xFF, sizeof(maliciousReport));
    DWORD bytesReturned;
    // Read response from Windows - may contain leaked info
    DeviceIoControl(hDevice, IOCTL_HID_GET_INPUT_REPORT,
        maliciousReport, sizeof(maliciousReport),
        maliciousReport, sizeof(maliciousReport),
        &bytesReturned, NULL);

    // Now, 'maliciousReport' could contain memory data from Windows
    printf("Leaked data: %s\n", maliciousReport);
    CloseHandle(hDevice);
}

> Please only use this code for learning purposes, never for malicious activity.

Real-World Impact

While this vulnerability doesn’t let hackers take over your PC outright, it can reveal sensitive pieces of your system’s memory. An attacker with physical access could use a cheap device (like a Raspberry Pi Zero acting as a USB gadget) to “sniff” information when plugged into a workstation.

Security researchers demonstrated the data leak in controlled environments, confirming the risk existed until patched.

Microsoft’s Response and Patch

Microsoft acknowledged the flaw and fixed it in their November 2022 Patch Tuesday updates. The patch corrects how Windows handles HID buffer input and output, ensuring no extra memory is leaked through device responses.

It’s highly recommended you update Windows with the latest security updates to close this loophole if you haven't already.

How to Stay Safe

1. Install Windows Updates Regularly: Always patch your system taking advantage of Microsoft’s frequent security releases.
2. Control Physical Access: Don’t let unauthorized people plug random USB devices into your computers.
3. Educate Staff: Remind employees or peers never to connect “found” USB sticks or untrusted devices.
4. Consider Device Control Tools: Use endpoint protection that can restrict or log device connections.

References

- Microsoft Security Guide for CVE-2022-41055
- CVE Details - CVE-2022-41055
- Windows HID Information Disclosure Vulnerability - NVD

Final Thoughts

CVE-2022-41055 isn’t flashy, but it’s a reminder that even innocent-seeming hardware—keyboards, mice, or random USB gadgets—can be a threat vector. Always keep your system updated, and think before you plug!

Want to stay updated on security news like this? Keep an eye on Microsoft’s Security Update Guide or your favorite cybersecurity sites.

Timeline

Published on: 11/09/2022 22:15:00 UTC
Last modified on: 11/10/2022 00:33:00 UTC