CVE-2022-32267 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

This article provides an overview of CVE-2022-32267, a vulnerability in DMA transactions targeting input buffers used for the SmmResourceCheckDxe software SMI handler, leading to SMRAM corruption.

Understanding CVE-2022-32267

CVE-2022-32267 involves a vulnerability in DMA transactions aimed at input buffers utilized by the software SMI handler in the SmmResourceCheckDxe driver, resulting in potential SMRAM corruption through a TOCTOU attack.

What is CVE-2022-32267?

CVE-2022-32267 is a security flaw triggered by DMA transactions directed at specific input buffers, which, when targeted for the SmmResourceCheckDxe software SMI handler, can lead to SMRAM corruption, posing a significant security risk.

The Impact of CVE-2022-32267

The vulnerability allows malicious actors to execute a TOCTOU attack, compromising SMRAM integrity and potentially gaining unauthorized access to sensitive system memory, exposing critical data to exploitation.

Technical Details of CVE-2022-32267

In this section, we delve into the technical aspects of the CVE-2022-32267 vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from DMA transactions aimed at input buffers utilized by the software SMI handler in the SmmResourceCheckDxe driver, enabling attackers to corrupt SMRAM and potentially compromise system security.

Affected Systems and Versions

The issue impacts systems utilizing the SmmResourceCheckDxe driver, with specific versions of the kernel Kernel 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, and 5.5 being susceptible to SMRAM corruption through the TOCTOU attack.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by targeting the input buffers utilized by the software SMI handler in the SmmResourceCheckDxe driver, initiating malicious DMA transactions that compromise SMRAM integrity.

Mitigation and Prevention

Here, we discuss steps to mitigate and prevent the exploitation of CVE-2022-32267.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update to the patched versions of the kernel specified by Insyde engineering (Kernel 5.2: 05.27.23, Kernel 5.3: 05.36.23, Kernel 5.4: 05.44.23, Kernel 5.5: 05.52.23) to address the vulnerability and prevent SMRAM corruption.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement robust DMA transaction security measures and regularly monitor for unauthorized access attempts to input buffers utilized by critical system handlers to prevent future TOCTOU attacks.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates from Insyde engineering and promptly apply patches to ensure the integrity of the SmmResourceCheckDxe driver and protect against SMRAM corruption.