CVE-2022-42276 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A vulnerability has been identified in NVIDIA DGX A100 servers that could allow a local user with elevated privileges to execute malicious code, escalate privileges, cause denial of service, and access sensitive information.

Understanding CVE-2022-42276

This section provides an overview of the security vulnerability tracked under CVE-2022-42276.

What is CVE-2022-42276?

The vulnerability exists in the SBIOS of NVIDIA DGX A100 servers, specifically in the SmiFlash module. It enables a local user with elevated privileges to manipulate flash memory, potentially leading to severe consequences such as code execution, privilege escalation, denial of service, and information leakage.

The Impact of CVE-2022-42276

The implications of this vulnerability include Code Execution, Denial of Service, Escalation of Privileges, Information Disclosure, and Data Tampering. These could result in severe security breaches and compromise the integrity of the affected systems.

Technical Details of CVE-2022-42276

In this section, you will find in-depth technical information related to CVE-2022-42276.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability allows a local user with elevated privileges to read, write, and erase flash memory, making it possible to carry out malicious activities like executing unauthorized code and gaining unauthorized access.

Affected Systems and Versions

NVIDIA DGX servers running SBIOS firmware versions prior to 1.18 are vulnerable to this security issue. The impact extends to various system components beyond SBIOS, posing a significant threat to the server environment.

Exploitation Mechanism

The exploitation of this vulnerability requires a local user with elevated privileges to interact with the SmiFlash module. By leveraging this weakness, an attacker can gain unauthorized control over the system and perform malicious actions.

Mitigation and Prevention

This section outlines the steps to mitigate and prevent the exploitation of CVE-2022-42276.

Immediate Steps to Take

It is crucial to update the SBIOS firmware of NVIDIA DGX servers to version 1.18 or higher to patch the vulnerability. Additionally, restrict and closely monitor user access with elevated privileges to minimize the risk of exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement strict access controls, regularly monitor system activity for anomalies, and conduct security audits to detect and address any potential vulnerabilities proactively.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates released by NVIDIA and promptly apply patches to ensure that the systems are protected against known vulnerabilities.