CVE-2022-24419 in Dell
Summary
by MITRE • 03/12/2022
Dell BIOS contains an improper input validation vulnerability. A local authenticated malicious user may potentially exploit this vulnerability by using an SMI to gain arbitrary code execution during SMM.
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/16/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-24419 resides within Dell BIOS firmware implementations and represents a critical improper input validation flaw that could enable privilege escalation and arbitrary code execution. This vulnerability specifically affects systems where the System Management Mode (SMM) is utilized for firmware operations, creating a potential attack surface that extends beyond traditional operating system boundaries. The flaw allows a locally authenticated malicious user to exploit the insufficient input validation mechanisms within the BIOS to execute arbitrary code during SMM execution, thereby compromising the system's integrity at the firmware level.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate validation of input parameters within the SMI handler routines that operate within the System Management Mode. When SMI interrupts are triggered, the firmware code processes these requests without sufficient validation of the incoming data, creating opportunities for attackers to inject malicious payloads through crafted SMI calls. This weakness aligns with CWE-20, which describes improper input validation as a fundamental security flaw that can lead to various attack vectors including code execution, privilege escalation, and system compromise. The vulnerability's exploitation requires local authentication access, meaning an attacker must first establish a foothold within the system before attempting to leverage this firmware-level weakness.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-24419 extends beyond typical software vulnerabilities due to its position within the firmware layer where traditional security controls are ineffective. Attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability can potentially achieve persistent system compromise that survives operating system reinstallation and traditional security measures. The SMM environment operates with the highest privilege level on the system, making any code execution within this context equivalent to root-level access. This characteristic places the vulnerability in the ATT&CK framework under the T1068 technique for "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation" and T1542.003 for "Sudo and Sudo Caching" when considering the privilege escalation aspects of firmware-level code execution.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require a multi-layered approach that addresses both the immediate firmware exposure and broader system security posture. Dell has released firmware updates that correct the input validation issues within the affected BIOS implementations, and system administrators should prioritize applying these patches to all affected devices. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing of firmware updates to ensure compatibility with existing system configurations and avoid potential service disruptions. Additionally, organizations should implement hardware-based security measures such as Secure Boot enforcement and firmware integrity monitoring to detect unauthorized modifications to the BIOS components. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of maintaining current firmware versions and establishing robust patch management processes specifically for embedded systems and firmware components, as these elements often receive less attention in traditional security monitoring protocols.