CVE-2022-34657 in PCSD BIOS
Summary
by MITRE • 08/11/2023
Improper input validation in firmware for some Intel(R) PCSD BIOS before version 02.01.0013 may allow a privileged user to potentially enable information disclosure via local access.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/05/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-34657 represents a critical flaw in the firmware implementation of certain Intel PCSD BIOS components. This issue stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the firmware code that governs system configuration and management functions. The vulnerability affects specific versions of Intel's Platform Controller Subsystem Driver BIOS prior to version 02.01.0013, indicating a targeted flaw in the firmware update cycle that has persisted across multiple releases. The improper validation occurs at the firmware level where user inputs are processed without sufficient sanitization or verification, creating an exploitable condition that could be leveraged by malicious actors with local access privileges.
The technical nature of this vulnerability falls under the category of information disclosure through improper input validation, which aligns with CWE-20, the Common Weakness Enumeration identifier for "Improper Input Validation." The flaw specifically manifests when privileged users execute malicious inputs through the BIOS interface, potentially allowing them to extract sensitive system information that should remain protected. This type of vulnerability represents a significant concern because firmware operates at a low level within the system architecture, often with elevated privileges and direct hardware access capabilities. The local access requirement means that an attacker must already have physical or administrative access to the system to exploit this vulnerability, but once achieved, the impact can be severe as firmware-level access typically provides extensive control over system operations.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-34657 extends beyond simple information leakage, as it creates potential pathways for more sophisticated attacks that could compromise system integrity and confidentiality. Attackers leveraging this vulnerability could potentially extract system configuration details, hardware identifiers, security settings, and other sensitive metadata that could be used to plan further attacks or understand system weaknesses. The implications are particularly concerning in enterprise environments where BIOS-level access could enable attackers to bypass traditional security controls and gain deeper insights into system architecture. This vulnerability could also facilitate privilege escalation attacks where the information disclosed could be used to identify additional attack vectors or weaknesses in the broader system security posture.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-34657 primarily focus on firmware updates and system hardening measures. Organizations should immediately deploy the latest BIOS versions from Intel that include patches addressing this vulnerability, specifically targeting firmware versions 02.01.0013 and later. System administrators should also implement firmware integrity monitoring solutions that can detect unauthorized modifications to BIOS components and alert on suspicious activities. The vulnerability's classification under ATT&CK technique T1014, "Rootkit," suggests that attackers could potentially use this information to establish persistence mechanisms within the firmware layer. Additional protective measures include implementing secure boot configurations, disabling unnecessary firmware interfaces, and conducting regular firmware audits to ensure that only authorized and patched versions are running on systems. Network segmentation and access control policies should also be reinforced to limit local access privileges and reduce the attack surface available to potential adversaries.