CVE-2022-33176 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

This article discusses the CVE-2022-33176 vulnerability affecting Intel(R) NUC 11 Performance kits and Intel(R) NUC 11 Performance Mini PCs.

Understanding CVE-2022-33176

CVE-2022-33176 is a security flaw in the BIOS firmware of certain Intel(R) NUC 11 Performance kits and Mini PCs that could allow a privileged user to escalate their privileges through local access.

What is CVE-2022-33176?

The CVE-2022-33176 vulnerability is due to improper input validation in the BIOS firmware of specific Intel(R) devices, potentially enabling a privileged user to escalate their privileges.

The Impact of CVE-2022-33176

The impact of CVE-2022-33176 is considered high, with a CVSS base score of 8.2. This means that exploitation of this vulnerability could lead to significant security risks, especially for affected systems.

Technical Details of CVE-2022-33176

The following technical details provide more insight into the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from improper input validation in the BIOS firmware of Intel(R) NUC 11 Performance kits and Mini PCs, allowing a privileged user to potentially escalate their privileges via local access.

Affected Systems and Versions

The affected systems include Intel(R) NUC 11 Performance kits and Intel(R) NUC 11 Performance Mini PCs before version PATGL357.0042.

Exploitation Mechanism

The exploitation of CVE-2022-33176 requires a privileged user with local access to the affected devices, leveraging the vulnerability to escalate their privileges.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2022-33176, it is crucial to implement the following mitigation strategies and security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update the BIOS firmware of Intel(R) NUC 11 Performance kits and Mini PCs to version PATGL357.0042 or later.
Restrict physical access to the devices to prevent unauthorized users from exploiting the vulnerability.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor security advisories from Intel and apply necessary updates promptly.
Implement strong access controls and user privilege management to limit potential attack surfaces.

Patching and Updates

Ensure timely patching of BIOS firmware and system updates to address known vulnerabilities and enhance the overall security posture.