CVE-2022-4020 : What You Need to Know
Discover the impact of CVE-2022-4020, a vulnerability in the HQSwSmiDxe DXE driver on select Acer Notebook devices, allowing attackers to alter UEFI Secure Boot settings. Learn about affected systems, exploitation mechanism, and mitigation steps.
Acer Aspire BIOS vulnerability
Understanding CVE-2022-4020
This CVE identifies a vulnerability in the HQSwSmiDxe DXE driver on certain Acer Notebook devices, allowing attackers with elevated privileges to modify UEFI Secure Boot settings through NVRAM variable manipulation.
What is CVE-2022-4020?
A vulnerability in the HQSwSmiDxe DXE driver on select Acer Notebook devices enables attackers with elevated privileges to alter UEFI Secure Boot settings by changing an NVRAM variable.
The Impact of CVE-2022-4020
The impact of this vulnerability (CAPEC-176) results in Configuration/Environment Manipulation, posing a high availability impact and high integrity impact. The base score is 8.1, indicating a high severity level.
Technical Details of CVE-2022-4020
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability allows attackers with elevated privileges to modify UEFI Secure Boot settings on affected Acer Notebook devices by manipulating an NVRAM variable.
Affected Systems and Versions
Product: Aspire A315-22
- Vendor: Acer
- Version: 1.04 (custom)
- Affected Version: Less than 1.11
Product: Aspire A115-21
- Vendor: Acer
- Version: 1.04 (custom)
- Affected Version: Less than 1.11
Product: Aspire A315-22G
- Vendor: Acer
- Version: 1.04 (custom)
- Affected Version: Less than 1.11
Product: Extensa EX215-21
- Vendor: Acer
- Version: 1.04 (custom)
- Affected Version: Less than 1.11
Product: Extensa EX215-21G
- Vendor: Acer
- Version: 1.04 (custom)
- Affected Version: Less than 1.11
Exploitation Mechanism
The vulnerability can be exploited by attackers with elevated privileges to modify UEFI Secure Boot settings through manipulation of an NVRAM variable.
Mitigation and Prevention
Immediate Steps to Take
Users are advised to apply relevant security patches provided by Acer to mitigate the CVE-2022-4020 vulnerability. Ensure BIOS/firmware is updated to a version equal to or greater than 1.11.
Long-Term Security Practices
Implement strict access controls and user privilege management to prevent unauthorized access and limit privileges that can modify UEFI Secure Boot settings.
Patching and Updates
Regularly check for updates and apply patches released by Acer to address security vulnerabilities and enhance system security.