CVE-2024-22451: Dell Peripheral Manager Arbitrary Code Execution via Uncontrolled Search Path

Technical summary

CVE-2024-22451 is an uncontrolled search path element vulnerability (CWE-427) affecting Dell Peripheral Manager. The flaw permits arbitrary code execution through DLL/library preloading attacks. When the application searches for dependencies in predictable or unprotected paths, an attacker can inject a malicious executable that gets loaded and executed in place of the legitimate library. The CVSS 3.1 score of 6.7 (Medium) reflects the local attack vector, requirement for user interaction, and high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Exploitation requires local file system access and a legitimate user account on the affected system.

Business impact

Compromise of systems running affected Peripheral Manager versions could allow attackers to gain code execution within the context of the application user, potentially leading to lateral movement, data exfiltration, or further system compromise. Organizations relying on Peripheral Manager for device management face risk of integrity violations and unauthorized access to managed peripherals. The vulnerability's requirement for local access and user interaction reduces, but does not eliminate, enterprise risk in shared-access or contract-worker environments.

Affected systems

Dell Peripheral Manager versions 1.5.1, 1.5.2, 1.6.x, 1.7.0, 1.7.1, and 1.7.2 are affected. Organizations should inventory instances of Peripheral Manager across their environment to identify deployed versions within the vulnerable range. Later versions beyond 1.7.2 are presumed patched; verify against Dell's security advisories for confirmation.

Exploitability

Exploitation requires an attacker to: (1) gain local system access with user-level privileges, (2) identify where Peripheral Manager searches for executable libraries, (3) place a malicious executable in an accessible search path before the application initializes, and (4) trigger application functionality that loads the compromised library. While the attack is not trivial and requires user interaction, it is achievable in environments where multiple users share systems or where file system permissions are misconfigured. The vulnerability is not currently tracked in CISA's KEV catalog, indicating no evidence of active in-the-wild exploitation at this time.

Remediation

Apply Dell's patched version of Peripheral Manager beyond 1.7.2. Verify the specific patched version number through Dell's security advisory before deployment. Until patching is possible, mitigate by: restricting local access to vulnerable systems, enforcing restrictive file system permissions on application directories, disabling Peripheral Manager if not actively required, and monitoring for suspicious file creation in application search paths.

Patch guidance

Consult Dell's official security advisory for CVE-2024-22451 to identify the minimum patched version. Test patches in a non-production environment before broad deployment. Prioritize systems where multiple users have local access or where Peripheral Manager manages sensitive peripherals. Patch deployment should follow your standard change management procedures. Verify successful patching by confirming the installed version is outside the affected range.

Detection guidance

Monitor for unusual file creation or modification in Peripheral Manager installation directories and common library search paths (e.g., Windows System32, application subdirectories). Alert on file writes from non-administrator accounts to locations where Peripheral Manager loads executables. Check application event logs for Peripheral Manager initialization errors that might indicate failed library loading attempts. File integrity monitoring on Peripheral Manager binaries and search paths will help detect unauthorized modifications. During forensic investigation, examine file timestamps and access logs to identify suspicious pre-loading activity preceding system compromise.

Why prioritize this

Although scored as Medium severity, this vulnerability merits timely attention because arbitrary code execution is the highest impact outcome and affects infrastructure management software. Prioritize systems where Peripheral Manager has elevated privileges, manages critical peripherals, or where the user base includes contractors or temporary staff with local access. Organizations with strong file system permission controls and no shared local access patterns can defer patching with compensating controls in place.

Risk score, explained

CVSS 3.1 score of 6.7 reflects: (1) low attack vector (local only, not network-accessible), (2) high attack complexity due to the need to identify and exploit search paths, (3) low privilege requirement (user-level access sufficient), (4) required user interaction to trigger library loading, and (5) high impact across confidentiality, integrity, and availability if exploitation succeeds. The Medium severity appropriately weights the real but constrained risk profile compared to network-exploitable vulnerabilities.

Frequently asked questions