CVE-2022-29278 in insyde
Summary
by MITRE • 11/16/2022
Incorrect pointer checks within the NvmExpressDxe driver can allow tampering with SMRAM and OS memory Incorrect pointer checks within the NvmExpressDxe driver can allow tampering with SMRAM and OS memory. This issue was discovered by Insyde during security review. Fixed in: Kernel 5.1: Version 05.17.23 Kernel 5.2: Version 05.27.23 Kernel 5.3: Version 05.36.23 Kernel 5.4: Version 05.44.23 Kernel 5.5: Version 05.52.23 https://www.insyde.com/security-pledge/SA-2022061
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/22/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-29278 represents a critical flaw within the NvmExpressDxe driver component of UEFI firmware implementations, specifically affecting systems utilizing Intel and AMD platforms. This issue stems from inadequate pointer validation mechanisms that permit unauthorized modification of sensitive memory regions, including System Management RAM and operating system memory spaces. The vulnerability was discovered through systematic security review processes conducted by Insyde, a leading firmware security company, highlighting the importance of thorough code analysis in firmware security assessment. The flaw manifests in the NvmExpressDxe driver's handling of memory pointers, where insufficient validation allows attackers to manipulate memory addresses and potentially execute arbitrary code within privileged execution contexts.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-125, which covers out-of-bounds read scenarios. The root cause lies in improper pointer validation within the driver's memory management routines, where the NvmExpressDxe component fails to adequately verify memory pointer integrity before accessing or modifying system memory regions. This weakness creates a pathway for attackers to manipulate memory addresses that should remain protected, particularly targeting SMRAM which operates in a privileged state separate from normal operating system execution contexts. The vulnerability specifically affects the NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory Express) storage controller driver implementation within UEFI firmware, where insufficient bounds checking allows for memory corruption that could be exploited to gain elevated privileges.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant threat to system security and integrity, as it enables potential exploitation of the System Management Mode and memory spaces that are typically protected from user-mode access. Attackers could leverage this flaw to modify critical system memory regions, potentially leading to privilege escalation, persistent backdoor installation, or complete system compromise. The vulnerability affects multiple kernel versions across different release branches, indicating a widespread impact that spans various firmware implementations. The exploitation of this vulnerability would likely require physical access to the target system or the ability to inject malicious code into the UEFI environment, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1068 which covers local privilege escalation through kernel exploits.
The mitigation strategy for CVE-2022-29278 involves implementing firmware updates that address the pointer validation issues within the NvmExpressDxe driver components. Organizations should prioritize updating their firmware to the specified versions for each kernel branch, with particular attention to systems running kernel versions 5.1 through 5.5. The fix typically involves strengthening the pointer validation routines to ensure proper bounds checking before memory operations are performed. Additionally, system administrators should implement robust firmware integrity verification mechanisms and consider enabling UEFI Secure Boot to prevent unauthorized firmware modifications. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of firmware security in modern computing environments, where vulnerabilities in low-level system components can provide attackers with persistent access to protected memory regions and execution contexts that are fundamental to system security.