CVE-2022-32471 in InsydeH2O
Summary
by MITRE • 02/15/2023
An issue was discovered in IhisiSmm in Insyde InsydeH2O with kernel 5.0 through 5.5. The IhisiDxe driver uses the command buffer to pass input and output data. By modifying the command buffer contents with DMA after the input parameters have been checked but before they are used, the IHISI SMM code may be convinced to modify SMRAM or OS, leading to possible data corruption or escalation of privileges.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/29/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-32471 represents a critical security flaw within the IhisiSmm module of Insyde InsydeH2O firmware, specifically affecting kernel versions 5.0 through 5.5. This issue resides in the SMM (System Management Mode) execution environment where the IhisiDxe driver handles command buffer operations for input and output data processing. The fundamental problem emerges from a temporal window between parameter validation and actual command execution, creating an exploitable race condition that allows malicious actors to manipulate system memory through DMA (Direct Memory Access) operations.
The technical exploitation mechanism leverages the inherent weakness in the driver's architecture where command buffer contents can be modified after initial parameter validation but before final execution. This vulnerability specifically targets the IHISI SMM code which operates with elevated privileges and direct access to SMRAM (System Management Random Access Memory) and operating system memory spaces. The flaw enables attackers to craft malicious DMA operations that modify the command buffer contents, effectively bypassing the intended security checks and validation mechanisms that should prevent unauthorized memory modifications.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability presents a severe threat to system integrity and security posture. The ability to modify SMRAM or OS memory directly through SMM execution creates opportunities for privilege escalation from user-level to kernel-level access, potentially enabling complete system compromise. The vulnerability affects systems running InsydeH2O firmware with affected kernel versions, making it particularly concerning for enterprise environments where firmware security is critical for maintaining overall system security. Attackers could exploit this to inject malicious code, modify system parameters, or establish persistent backdoors within the firmware layer.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-362, which describes a race condition that occurs when multiple threads or processes access shared resources without proper synchronization, and relates to ATT&CK technique T1068, which involves exploiting vulnerabilities in legitimate system processes to gain elevated privileges. Mitigation strategies should focus on firmware updates from Insyde to address the specific vulnerability in the IhisiSmm module, implementing proper DMA protection mechanisms, and ensuring that command buffer contents are not modifiable after parameter validation. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing hardware-based memory protection features and monitoring for anomalous SMM activity to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability underscores the critical importance of firmware security validation and the need for robust memory protection mechanisms in system management mode execution environments.