CVE-2022-23930 – This CVE describes vulnerabilities in the syste... (How to Fix)

Q: What is the severity of CVE-2022-23930?

CVE-2022-23930 has a CVSS score of 8.2 (HIGH). This CVE describes vulnerabilities in the system BIOS of certain HP PC products that could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code, escalate privileges, cause denial of service, or access sensitive information. The vulnerabilities affect physical access or local users who can interact with the BIOS/UEFI firmware. This is a firmware-level vulnerability affecting the pre-boot environment.

📋 TL;DR

This CVE describes vulnerabilities in the system BIOS of certain HP PC products that could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code, escalate privileges, cause denial of service, or access sensitive information. The vulnerabilities affect physical access or local users who can interact with the BIOS/UEFI firmware. This is a firmware-level vulnerability affecting the pre-boot environment.

💻 Affected Systems

Products:

HP PC products (specific models listed in HP advisory)

Versions: BIOS versions prior to the patched versions specified in HP's advisory

Operating Systems: All operating systems running on affected hardware

Default Config Vulnerable: ⚠️ Yes

Notes: Affects specific HP PC models - users must check HP's advisory for exact model numbers. Vulnerability exists at BIOS/UEFI firmware level, so OS doesn't matter.

📦 What is this software?

Pc Bios by Hp

View all CVEs affecting Pc Bios →

⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact

🔴

Worst Case

Complete system compromise with persistent malware at firmware level, allowing attackers to bypass operating system security controls, maintain persistence across OS reinstalls, and potentially access encryption keys or sensitive data.

🟠

Likely Case

Local privilege escalation allowing attackers to gain administrative access to the system, potentially leading to data theft, installation of persistent malware, or system disruption.

🟢

If Mitigated

Limited impact if physical access controls are strong, BIOS/UEFI passwords are set, and Secure Boot is enabled with proper configuration.

🌐 Internet-Facing: LOW - This vulnerability requires local access to the system and cannot be exploited remotely over the network.

🏢 Internal Only: HIGH - Malicious insiders or attackers with physical access to vulnerable systems could exploit these vulnerabilities to gain persistent control.

🎯 Exploit Status

Public PoC: ✅ No

Weaponized: UNKNOWN

Unauthenticated Exploit: ✅ No

Complexity: MEDIUM

Exploitation requires local access to the system and knowledge of BIOS/UEFI exploitation techniques. No public exploit code has been identified.

🛠️ Fix & Mitigation

✅ Official Fix

Patch Version: BIOS updates specific to each affected HP PC model

Vendor Advisory: https://support.hp.com/us-en/document/ish_5817864-5817896-16

Restart Required: Yes

Instructions:

1. Identify your HP PC model and current BIOS version
2. Visit HP Support website and search for BIOS updates for your specific model
3. Download the appropriate BIOS update from HP's official site
4. Follow HP's instructions to apply the BIOS update (typically involves running an executable in Windows or using a USB flash drive)
5. Ensure system restarts and BIOS update completes successfully

🔧 Temporary Workarounds

Enable BIOS/UEFI Password

all

Set a BIOS/UEFI administrator password to prevent unauthorized access to BIOS settings

Access BIOS/UEFI settings during boot (typically F10, F2, or ESC)
Navigate to Security settings
Set Administrator Password

Enable Secure Boot

all

Enable Secure Boot to prevent unauthorized code execution during boot process

Access BIOS/UEFI settings during boot
Navigate to Boot or Security settings
Enable Secure Boot option

🧯 If You Can't Patch

Restrict physical access to vulnerable systems
Implement BIOS/UEFI passwords on all systems
Enable Secure Boot where supported
Monitor for unauthorized BIOS/UEFI access attempts

🔍 How to Verify

Check if Vulnerable:

Check your HP PC model and BIOS version against HP's advisory. In Windows: Run 'msinfo32' and check System Model and BIOS Version/Date. In Linux: Run 'sudo dmidecode -t bios'

Check Version:

Windows: wmic bios get smbiosbiosversion
Linux: sudo dmidecode -s bios-version

Verify Fix Applied:

Verify BIOS version after update matches or exceeds the patched version listed in HP's advisory for your specific model

📡 Detection & Monitoring

Log Indicators:

BIOS/UEFI configuration changes in system logs
Unexpected system restarts or boot failures
Windows Event Logs: System logs showing unexpected firmware updates or changes

Network Indicators:

Not applicable - this is a local firmware vulnerability

SIEM Query:

Not applicable for network detection. Monitor for: BIOS/UEFI configuration changes, unexpected system firmware updates, or boot process anomalies

📊 Metadata

CVE ID: CVE-2022-23930

CVSS v3 Score: 8.2 (HIGH)

CVSS Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H

Published: March 11, 2022

Last Updated: November 21, 2024

🔗 References

https://support.hp.com/us-en/document/ish_5817864-5817896-16 Vendor Advisory
https://support.hp.com/us-en/document/ish_5817864-5817896-16 Vendor Advisory

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