CVE-2022-23821

Improper access control in System Management Mode (SMM) may allow an attacker to write to SPI ROM potentially leading to arbitrary code execution

published November 14, 2023

CVSS
—
EPSS
1%
Percentile
62.1
In the wild
Unconfirmed
What it is

⚠️ A crafty admin vulnerability could let attackers write directly to your SPI ROM! This improper access control in System Management Mode (SMM) could have some serious consequences. 😱 Think of SMM as the secret back office of a restaurant, where all the most important decisions are made. If an unauthorized person sneaks in, they could change the recipes or even remove the security cameras, allowing for chaos in the dining area! If exploited, an attacker could potentially execute arbitrary code, leading to unauthorized access and control over critical system operations. It’s like letting a sneaky chef alter the menu without anyone noticing — pretty disastrous!

Put simply

Think of SMM as the secret back office of a restaurant, where all the most important decisions are made. If an unauthorized person sneaks in, they could change the recipes or even remove the security cameras, allowing for chaos in the dining area! This vulnerability stems from improper access control in System Management Mode (SMM), which may allow an attacker to write to SPI ROM and execute arbitrary code with escalated privileges.

What to do

If exploited, an attacker could potentially execute arbitrary code, leading to unauthorized access and control over critical system operations. It’s like letting a sneaky chef alter the menu without anyone noticing — pretty disastrous! To safeguard against this vulnerability, ensure that all access controls in SMM are properly configured and regularly audited. Monitor your systems for any unusual activity and stay informed about patches or updates that may strengthen your defenses. You've got this! Implement these changes and keep your systems safe from sneaky attacks. 🛡️

The record
Technical detail
CVSS
Not scored
CVSS v4.0
Not supplied
EPSS
0.00989 · 62.1th percentile
Published
2023-11-14T18:54Z
EPSS history
Timeline
  • 14 NOV 18:54Z
    Improper access control in System Management Mode (SMM) may allow an attacker to write to SPI ROM potentially leading to arbitrary code execution
    cvelistv5