CVE-2023-31041 in InsydeH2O
Summary
by MITRE • 08/14/2023
An issue was discovered in SysPasswordDxe in Insyde InsydeH2O with kernel 5.0 through 5.5. System password information could optionally be stored in cleartext, which might lead to possible information disclosure.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/24/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-31041 affects the SysPasswordDxe component within Insyde InsydeH2O firmware implementations running kernel versions 5.0 through 5.5. This represents a critical security flaw in the firmware layer that governs system password handling mechanisms. The issue stems from improper cryptographic practices where sensitive authentication data can be persisted in an unencrypted format, creating a significant risk for system compromise and unauthorized access.
The technical flaw manifests in the way the firmware manages password storage during system initialization and authentication processes. Specifically, when system passwords are configured through the InsydeH2O firmware interface, the implementation fails to properly encrypt or obfuscate the password information before storing it in memory or persistent storage areas. This cleartext storage mechanism violates fundamental security principles and creates an exploitable condition where an attacker with access to the system firmware or memory can directly extract password information without requiring additional cryptographic attacks or brute force attempts. The vulnerability falls under CWE-312, which specifically addresses cleartext storage of sensitive information, and represents a direct violation of the principle of least privilege in firmware security design.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it fundamentally undermines the security architecture of systems utilizing affected firmware versions. An attacker who gains access to the system firmware environment or can execute code at the firmware level can immediately retrieve stored passwords, potentially enabling lateral movement attacks, privilege escalation, and complete system compromise. This vulnerability is particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where firmware-level access might be obtained through supply chain attacks or physical access to systems. The impact aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers local privilege escalation, and T1552, which addresses credentials in files, as the cleartext storage effectively eliminates the need for complex credential recovery techniques.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-31041 require immediate firmware updates from InsydeH2O to address the cleartext storage issue and implement proper encryption mechanisms for password information. Organizations should conduct comprehensive inventory assessments to identify all systems running affected firmware versions and prioritize remediation efforts. Additionally, system administrators should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit potential attack vectors, while monitoring for suspicious firmware access patterns or unauthorized modifications to system configuration. The remediation process should include verification of firmware integrity through secure boot mechanisms and implementation of proper key management practices to ensure that any future password storage mechanisms maintain appropriate cryptographic protections. Security teams should also consider implementing firmware integrity monitoring solutions that can detect unauthorized changes to firmware components that may indicate exploitation attempts.