CVE-2022-24031
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows an attacker to write predictable data to SMRAM (System Management Mode RAM) in Insyde InsydeH2O UEFI firmware, potentially leading to privilege escalation to SMM (System Management Mode). It affects systems with InsydeH2O kernel versions 5.1 through 5.5. Exploitation could give attackers control over the system firmware.
💻 Affected Systems
- Systems with Insyde InsydeH2O UEFI firmware
📦 What is this software?
Insydeh2o by Insyde
Insydeh2o by Insyde
Insydeh2o by Insyde
Insydeh2o by Insyde
Insydeh2o by Insyde
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete system compromise with persistent firmware-level malware that survives OS reinstallation and disk replacement.
Likely Case
Privilege escalation to SMM allowing firmware-level persistence and bypass of OS security controls.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if SMM protections are enforced and firmware is updated, though risk remains if exploited before patching.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires local access and SMM exploitation knowledge. No public exploits known as of analysis.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Kernel version 5.5 with security updates or later patched versions
Vendor Advisory: https://www.insyde.com/security-pledge/SA-2022015
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Check system manufacturer for BIOS/UEFI firmware updates. 2. Download appropriate firmware update from OEM website. 3. Apply firmware update following manufacturer instructions. 4. Reboot system to complete update.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
SMM protection enforcement
allEnable SMM protection features in BIOS/UEFI settings if available
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Restrict physical access to vulnerable systems
- Implement strict endpoint security controls and monitoring
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check BIOS/UEFI firmware version in system information. Look for InsydeH2O kernel version 5.1-5.5.Check Version:
On Windows: wmic bios get smbiosbiosversion. On Linux: dmidecode -t biosVerify Fix Applied:
Verify firmware version has been updated to patched version. Check manufacturer security advisory for specific version numbers.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unexpected firmware modification events
- SMM-related errors in system logs
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections from firmware management interfaces
SIEM Query:
EventID=12 OR EventID=13 (System events) with firmware-related descriptions🔗 References
- https://cert-portal.siemens.com/productcert/pdf/ssa-306654.pdf
- https://security.netapp.com/advisory/ntap-20220216-0009/
- https://www.insyde.com/security-pledge
- https://www.insyde.com/security-pledge/SA-2022015
- https://cert-portal.siemens.com/productcert/pdf/ssa-306654.pdf
- https://security.netapp.com/advisory/ntap-20220216-0009/
- https://www.insyde.com/security-pledge
- https://www.insyde.com/security-pledge/SA-2022015
- https://www.kb.cert.org/vuls/id/796611
