CVE-2022-31635 in HP
Summary
by MITRE • 06/13/2023
Potential time-of-check to time-of-use (TOCTOU) vulnerabilities have been identified in the BIOS for certain HP PC products, which might allow arbitrary code execution, escalation of privilege, denial of service, and information disclosure.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/03/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-31635 represents a critical time-of-check to time-of-use security flaw within the BIOS firmware of specific HP PC models. This type of vulnerability occurs when a system performs a security check on a resource and then subsequently uses that same resource before another check can be performed, creating an exploitable window where malicious actors can manipulate the resource between the check and use phases. The affected HP products include various laptop and desktop configurations that rely on BIOS-level security mechanisms for system integrity protection.
This TOCTOU vulnerability specifically resides within the firmware layer of the system, making it particularly dangerous as it operates at a level below the operating system and can potentially bypass traditional software security controls. The flaw allows attackers to manipulate system resources during the brief window between when security checks are performed and when those resources are actually utilized. The implications extend beyond simple privilege escalation to include arbitrary code execution capabilities, which means malicious actors could potentially install rootkits or other persistent malware that operates at the firmware level. This type of vulnerability is classified under CWE-367, which specifically addresses time-of-check to time-of-use flaws, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which covers local privilege escalation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it affects the fundamental security posture of affected HP systems. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could achieve complete system compromise, allowing for persistent access that survives operating system reboots and even full system reinstalls. The potential for information disclosure means that sensitive data stored on the system could be accessed by unauthorized parties, while the denial of service capability could render systems unusable. The firmware-level nature of the vulnerability means that traditional endpoint protection solutions may not detect or prevent exploitation attempts, as these tools typically operate at the operating system level rather than the firmware level where the attack vector exists.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-31635 require immediate action from system administrators and users. The primary recommendation involves applying the latest BIOS updates provided by HP, which address the specific TOCTOU vulnerability in the firmware implementation. Organizations should conduct comprehensive inventory assessments to identify all affected HP PC models and prioritize patch deployment across their enterprise environments. Additionally, implementing firmware integrity monitoring solutions can help detect unauthorized modifications to the BIOS, while network segmentation and access controls should be strengthened to limit potential attack vectors. System administrators should also consider disabling unnecessary firmware features and implementing secure boot mechanisms where available, as these controls can help prevent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining current firmware versions and implementing robust firmware security practices as outlined in industry standards such as those recommended by NIST and the NSA for firmware-level security hardening.