CVE-2022-44898 is a high-severity vulnerability affecting the MsIo64.sys driver component used by Asus Aura Sync software up to version 1.07.79. This driver fails to properly validate input parameters passed to several IOCTL (Input Output Control) codes: 0x80102040, 0x80102044, 0x80102050, and 0x80102054. Improper input validation in these IOCTL handlers can lead to memory corruption, which attackers can exploit to cause a Denial of Service (DoS) by crashing the system or to escalate privileges on the affected machine. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-787 (Out-of-bounds Write), indicating that crafted IOCTL requests can overwrite memory regions improperly. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 7.8, reflecting high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, with an attack vector requiring local access (AV:L), low attack complexity (AC:L), and low privileges (PR:L), but no user interaction (UI:N). The scope remains unchanged (S:U), meaning the vulnerability affects only the vulnerable component and does not propagate to other components. No known exploits are reported in the wild, and no official patches or vendor advisories are linked, suggesting that mitigation may require manual intervention or updates once available. Asus Aura Sync is a widely used RGB lighting control software for Asus hardware, including motherboards and peripherals, often installed on gaming and enthusiast PCs. The MsIo64.sys driver operates at the kernel level, so exploitation can lead to significant system compromise, including full privilege escalation and system instability or crashes. Attackers need local access to the system to send crafted IOCTL requests, which could be achieved via malicious local applications or through other attack vectors that grant local code execution. This vulnerability highlights the risks of insufficient input validation in kernel-mode drivers, which can be leveraged for impactful attacks on endpoint security and system integrity.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk primarily to endpoints running Asus Aura Sync software with the vulnerable MsIo64.sys driver. The ability to escalate privileges locally can allow attackers to bypass endpoint protections, install persistent malware, or move laterally within networks. Denial of Service conditions caused by memory corruption can disrupt critical workstations, particularly in environments relying on Asus hardware for specialized computing tasks or gaming-related industries. Confidentiality is at risk as attackers with local access could gain elevated privileges to access sensitive data. Integrity is compromised as attackers can manipulate system processes or install rootkits. Availability is affected due to potential system crashes or forced reboots. Organizations with large deployments of Asus hardware, such as gaming companies, creative agencies, or IT departments using Asus motherboards, are at higher risk. The lack of known exploits in the wild reduces immediate threat but does not eliminate risk, especially from insider threats or targeted attacks. The vulnerability could also be leveraged as part of multi-stage attacks where initial local access is gained via other means, then privilege escalation is achieved through this flaw. Given the kernel-level nature of the driver, remediation delays could expose organizations to severe operational impacts and data breaches.

1. Immediate mitigation should include auditing all endpoints for the presence of Asus Aura Sync software and the MsIo64.sys driver version. 2. Disable or uninstall Asus Aura Sync on systems where it is not essential, especially on critical infrastructure or sensitive environments. 3. Restrict local user permissions to prevent untrusted users from executing or loading drivers or sending IOCTL requests. 4. Employ application whitelisting and endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to monitor and block suspicious IOCTL calls or unauthorized driver interactions. 5. Monitor system logs for unusual crashes or kernel errors that may indicate exploitation attempts. 6. Coordinate with Asus for official patches or driver updates; apply them promptly once available. 7. For environments where Aura Sync is required, consider isolating affected systems from sensitive networks or applying strict network segmentation to limit lateral movement if exploitation occurs. 8. Educate users about the risks of running unauthorized software or executing untrusted code locally. 9. Implement robust local access controls and consider multi-factor authentication for local logins to reduce the risk of unauthorized local access. 10. Regularly update and patch all system components to reduce the attack surface and prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities.