CVE-2022-22848 is a vulnerability that was identified in 2022. The vulnerability is related to the Microsoft Windows TCP/IP stack, and it could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code on a targeted system with elevated privileges. The vulnerability is caused by a flaw in the way the TCP/IP stack handles IPv6 router advertisements. By sending a specially crafted router advertisement message, an attacker can trigger a heap-based buffer overflow, which may result in the execution of malicious code.
The vulnerability was reported to Microsoft on February 3, 2022, by security researchers from the Zero Day Initiative (ZDI). Microsoft released a security update to address the vulnerability on April 12, 2022, as part of its monthly Patch Tuesday updates. The security update addressed the vulnerability by correcting how the TCP/IP stack checks the length of incoming router advertisement messages.
Organizations running affected versions of Windows are advised to apply the security update as soon as possible to ensure their systems are protected against the vulnerability. In addition, organizations should review their network security controls to prevent attackers from using this vulnerability to gain access to their networks. This incident highlights the importance of regular software patching and vulnerability management practices in protecting against potential cyber threats.