CVE-2022-36438
CVE-2022-36438 is a high-severity vulnerability in Asus Asusswitch with a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-276.
Key facts
- Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 7.8)
- EPSS exploit prediction: 0% (6th percentile)
- Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
- Weakness: CWE-276
- Affected product: Asus Asusswitch
- Published:
- Last modified:
Description
AsusSwitch.exe on ASUS personal computers (running Windows) sets weak file permissions, leading to local privilege escalation (this also can be used to delete files within the system arbitrarily). This affects ASUS System Control Interface 3 before 3.1.5.0, and AsusSwitch.exe before 1.0.10.0.
Frequently asked questions
- What is CVE-2022-36438?
- AsusSwitch.exe on ASUS personal computers (running Windows) sets weak file permissions, leading to local privilege escalation (this also can be used to delete files within the system arbitrarily). This affects ASUS System Control Interface 3 before 3.1.5.0, and AsusSwitch.exe before 1.0.10.0.
- How severe is CVE-2022-36438?
- CVE-2022-36438 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.
- Is CVE-2022-36438 being actively exploited?
- It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (6th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- What products are affected by CVE-2022-36438?
- CVE-2022-36438 primarily affects Asus Asusswitch. In total, 2 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
- How do I fix CVE-2022-36438?
- Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.
- When was CVE-2022-36438 published?
- CVE-2022-36438 was published on 2022-10-18 and last updated on 2026-06-17.
References
- https://asus-my.sharepoint.com/personal/carinacw_li_asus_com/_layouts/15/onedrive.aspx?id=%2Fpersonal%2Fcarinacw_li_asus_com%2FDocuments%2FSecurity%2FCase-220713%2FAsus%20Switch%20LPE.pdf&parent=%2Fpersonal%2Fcarinacw_li_asus_com%2FDocuments%2FSecurity%2FCase-220713&ga=1
- https://asus.com
Affected products (2)
- cpe:2.3:a:asus:asusswitch:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
- cpe:2.3:a:asus:system_control_interface:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
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