CVE-2022-34398 : Security Advisory and Response
Learn about CVE-2022-34398, a high severity Time-of-Check Time-of-Use vulnerability in Dell BIOS allowing local attackers to execute arbitrary code with low privileges. Find out mitigation steps and affected versions.
A Time-of-check Time-of-use vulnerability has been discovered in Dell BIOS that could allow a local authenticated malicious user to gain arbitrary code execution on the system by using a specifically timed DMA transaction during a System Management Interrupt (SMI).
Understanding CVE-2022-34398
This section will cover what CVE-2022-34398 is and its impact, along with technical details and mitigation strategies.
What is CVE-2022-34398?
Dell BIOS contains a Time-of-check Time-of-use vulnerability that enables a local authenticated attacker to execute arbitrary code on the system through a specifically timed DMA transaction during an SMI.
The Impact of CVE-2022-34398
The vulnerability poses a high severity risk with a CVSS base score of 7.5. It requires low privileges but has a high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
Technical Details of CVE-2022-34398
Let's delve into the vulnerability description, affected systems, and exploitation mechanism.
Vulnerability Description
The Time-of-check Time-of-use vulnerability in Dell BIOS allows a local attacker to exploit a race condition during an SMI, leading to arbitrary code execution.
Affected Systems and Versions
The vulnerability affects Dell CPG BIOS versions less than or equal to 2.15.0.
Exploitation Mechanism
An attacker needs local authentication to execute a specifically timed DMA transaction during an SMI to exploit the vulnerability.
Mitigation and Prevention
Discover the steps to take immediately, long-term security practices, and the importance of patching and updates.
Immediate Steps to Take
Immediately restrict local access to BIOS settings and monitor for any unauthorized changes. Apply vendor patches as soon as they are available.
Long-Term Security Practices
Regularly update BIOS firmware, implement strong authentication mechanisms, and conduct security training for system administrators.
Patching and Updates
Keep track of security advisories from Dell and promptly apply BIOS updates to mitigate the CVE-2022-34398 vulnerability.