CVE-2023-28073
📋 TL;DR
Dell BIOS contains an authentication bypass vulnerability that allows a local attacker with physical or administrative access to bypass security controls and gain elevated system privileges. This affects Dell client systems with vulnerable BIOS versions.
💻 Affected Systems
- Dell client systems (laptops, desktops, workstations)
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Attacker gains full system control, installs persistent malware, bypasses disk encryption, and compromises the entire system including firmware.
Likely Case
Local attacker with physical or administrative access elevates privileges to install malware, extract sensitive data, or bypass security controls.
If Mitigated
With proper physical security and administrative controls, risk is limited to authorized users who might abuse their access.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires local authenticated access. Exploitation likely involves BIOS/UEFI interface manipulation.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: BIOS updates specified in Dell advisory DSA-2023-160
Vendor Advisory: https://www.dell.com/support/kbdoc/en-us/000213032/dsa-2023-160-dell-client
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Identify your Dell system model and current BIOS version. 2. Visit Dell support site and download the BIOS update for your specific model. 3. Run the BIOS update executable with administrative privileges. 4. Restart the system when prompted to complete the update.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Physical Security Controls
allRestrict physical access to vulnerable systems to prevent local exploitation.
BIOS Password Protection
allEnable BIOS/UEFI password to add an additional authentication layer.
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict physical security controls and limit administrative access
- Enable BitLocker/disk encryption and secure boot to add protection layers
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check BIOS version against affected versions in Dell advisory DSA-2023-160. On Windows: Run 'wmic bios get smbiosbiosversion'. On Linux: Run 'sudo dmidecode -s bios-version'.Check Version:
Windows: wmic bios get smbiosbiosversion | Linux: sudo dmidecode -s bios-versionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify BIOS version has been updated to a version not listed in the advisory. Check that BIOS/UEFI authentication mechanisms are functioning properly.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- BIOS/UEFI configuration changes
- Failed authentication attempts at BIOS level
- Unexpected system restarts or firmware updates
Network Indicators:
- No network indicators - local exploit only
SIEM Query:
Search for BIOS/UEFI related events, unexpected system restarts, or firmware modification attempts in system logs.