CVE-2023-28149 in InsydeH2O
Summary
by MITRE • 07/31/2024
An issue was discovered in the IhisiServiceSmm module in Insyde InsydeH2O with kernel 5.2 before 05.28.42, 5.3 before 05.37.42, 5.4 before 05.45.39, 5.5 before 05.53.39, and 5.6 before 05.60.39 that could allow an attacker to modify UEFI variables.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/08/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-28149 resides within the IhisiServiceSmm module of Insyde InsydeH2O firmware implementations, specifically affecting kernel versions prior to certain patch levels across multiple release branches. This issue represents a critical security flaw that undermines the fundamental integrity of UEFI firmware operations, creating potential pathways for attackers to manipulate critical system variables that govern firmware behavior and system security policies.
The technical flaw manifests through improper access controls within the System Management Mode (SMM) component of the firmware, allowing unauthorized modification of UEFI variables that should normally be protected from runtime alterations. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and insufficient privilege checks within the IhisiServiceSmm module, which operates with elevated privileges in SMM context. The flaw enables attackers to modify UEFI variables that control system boot behavior, security policies, and firmware configuration parameters without proper authentication or authorization.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple variable modification, as UEFI variables control critical system functions including Secure Boot settings, platform configuration registers, and firmware update mechanisms. An attacker exploiting this vulnerability could potentially disable Secure Boot, modify boot paths to load malicious firmware, or alter system configuration to create persistent backdoors. This represents a severe threat to system integrity and can enable attackers to establish persistent footholds within the firmware layer, making detection and remediation particularly challenging. The vulnerability affects multiple kernel versions and release branches, indicating a widespread issue that could impact numerous devices across different manufacturers implementing InsydeH2O firmware.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate firmware updates to patched versions that address the improper privilege handling and access control issues within the IhisiServiceSmm module. Organizations should also implement firmware integrity monitoring solutions to detect unauthorized modifications to UEFI variables and establish robust firmware update policies that ensure timely patch deployment. Security controls should include monitoring for suspicious UEFI variable modifications and implementing proper access controls for firmware interfaces. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-284 (Improper Access Control) and represents a significant concern under ATT&CK framework category T1542 (Pre-OS Injection) with potential T1068 (Local Privilege Escalation) implications. The attack surface extends to supply chain security considerations, as compromised firmware could affect multiple systems within organizations relying on affected InsydeH2O implementations.