CVE-2022-33985 : What You Need to Know

A vulnerability related to DMA transactions affecting input buffers used for the NvmExpressDxe software SMI handler has been identified, potentially leading to SMRAM corruption through a TOCTOU attack.

Understanding CVE-2022-33985

This section will provide insights into the nature and impact of CVE-2022-33985.

What is CVE-2022-33985?

The vulnerability in DMA transactions targeting input buffers utilized by the NvmExpressDxe software SMI handler can result in SMRAM corruption via a TOCTOU attack. The issue was discovered by Insyde engineering, based on general Intel iSTARE group descriptions.

The Impact of CVE-2022-33985

The vulnerability can have serious consequences, potentially allowing malicious actors to corrupt SMRAM through a specific attack vector, affecting system integrity and security.

Technical Details of CVE-2022-33985

In this section, the technical aspects of CVE-2022-33985 will be discussed.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from DMA transactions aimed at input buffers utilized by the NvmExpressDxe software SMI handler, opening the door to potential SMRAM corruption vulnerabilities.

Affected Systems and Versions

The issue impacts systems running the affected versions of the NvmExpressDxe driver: kernel 5.2: 05.27.25, kernel 5.3: 05.36.25, kernel 5.4: 05.44.25, and kernel 5.5: 05.52.25.

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited through targeted DMA transactions aimed at specific input buffers, potentially leading to SMRAM corruption through a TOCTOU attack.

Mitigation and Prevention

This section will focus on mitigating the risks associated with CVE-2022-33985 and preventing potential exploitation.

Immediate Steps to Take

To mitigate the vulnerability, users are advised to update their systems to the fixed kernel versions provided by Insyde engineering.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing robust security measures, including regular software updates and security patches, can help safeguard systems against similar vulnerabilities in the future.

Patching and Updates

Regularly applying software updates and patches, especially those addressing DMA transaction vulnerabilities, is crucial for maintaining system security.