CyberSecBulletin
CVE-2022-34393NVD status: Modified

Dell BIOS contains an improper input validation vulnerability.

CVE-2022-34393 is a high-severity improper input validation vulnerability in BIOS from Dell, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.5 out of 10. It can be exploited with local access to the system by an attacker with administrator privileges, without any action from a user. Affected BIOS versions: 2.17.0 and earlier. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.21% chance of exploitation within 30 days, which is low compared with other CVEs.

Next patch cycle

High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.

What to do

  1. Update G5 Se 5505 Firmware to 1.12.1 or a later version.
  2. Update Inspiron 27 7775 Firmware to 2.17.0 or a later version.
  3. Update Inspiron 3180 Firmware to 1.5.0 or a later version.
  4. Read the advisory on dell.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.

Affected products and versions

VendorProductAffected versionsFixed in
DellBIOS2.17.0 and earlierNot stated
DellG5 Se 5505 Firmwarebefore 1.12.11.12.1
DellInspiron 27 7775 Firmwarebefore 2.17.02.17.0
DellInspiron 3180 Firmwarebefore 1.5.01.5.0
DellInspiron 3185 Firmwarebefore 1.5.01.5.0
DellInspiron 3195 2-in-1 Firmwarebefore 1.5.01.5.0
DellInspiron 3275 Firmwarebefore 1.9.11.9.1
DellInspiron 3475 Firmwarebefore 1.9.11.9.1
DellInspiron 3505 Firmwarebefore 1.8.01.8.0
DellInspiron 3515 Firmwarebefore 1.7.01.7.0
DellInspiron 3585 Firmwarebefore 1.9.01.9.0
DellInspiron 3595 Firmwarebefore 1.4.01.4.0
DellInspiron 3785 Firmwarebefore 1.9.01.9.0
DellInspiron 5405 Firmwarebefore 1.8.11.8.1
DellInspiron 5415 Firmwarebefore 1.12.01.12.0
DellInspiron 5485 Firmwarebefore 2.10.12.10.1
DellInspiron 5485 2-in-1 Firmwarebefore 2.10.12.10.1
DellInspiron 5505 Firmwarebefore 1.8.11.8.1
DellInspiron 5515 Firmwarebefore 1.12.01.12.0
DellInspiron 5585 Firmwarebefore 2.10.12.10.1
DellInspiron 7375 Firmwarebefore 1.9.01.9.0
DellInspiron 7405 2-in-1 Firmwarebefore 1.9.11.9.1
DellInspiron 7415 Firmwarebefore 1.12.01.12.0
DellVostro 3405 Firmwarebefore 1.8.01.8.0
DellVostro 3515 Firmwarebefore 1.7.01.7.0

Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE; 2 further products are omitted here. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.

How the severity score breaks down

Attack vector
LocalThe attacker needs local access or must trick a user into running something.
Attack complexity
HighSuccess depends on conditions outside the attacker's control.
Privileges required
HighAdministrator-level access is required first.
User interaction
NoneNo action by a victim is required.
Scope
ChangedThe attack can reach beyond the vulnerable component into other systems.
Confidentiality
HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
Integrity
HighData or code can be modified at will.
Availability
HighThe component can be taken down completely.

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

Scoring systemScoreSeverityScored by
CVSS 3.17.5HighCNA (emc.com)
CVSS 3.17.5HighNVD

Official description

Dell BIOS contains an improper input validation vulnerability. A local authenticated malicious user may potentially exploit this vulnerability by using an SMI to gain arbitrary code execution in SMRAM.

Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.

The underlying weakness: Improper Input Validation

The product receives input or data, but it does not validate or incorrectly validates that the input has the properties that are required to process the data safely and correctly.

How developers prevent this class of flaw

  • Consider using language-theoretic security (LangSec) techniques that characterize inputs using a formal language and build recognizers for that language. This effectively requires parsing to be a distinct layer that effectively enforces a boundary between raw input and internal data representations, instead of allowing parser code to be scattered throughout the program, where it could be subject to errors or inconsistencies that create weaknesses.
  • Use an input validation framework such as Struts or the OWASP ESAPI Validation API. Note that using a framework does not automatically address all input validation problems; be mindful of weaknesses that could arise from misusing the framework itself (CWE-1173).
  • Understand all the potential areas where untrusted inputs can enter the product, including but not limited to: parameters or arguments, cookies, anything read from the network, environment variables, reverse DNS lookups, query results, request headers, URL components, e-mail, files, filenames, databases, and any external systems that provide data to the application. Remember that such inputs may be obtained indirectly through API calls.

More Improper Input Validation vulnerabilities (CWE-20)

Timeline

  1. CVE record published.
  2. CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: no, technical impact: total).
  3. Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).

References

Other vulnerabilities in BIOS

All BIOS vulnerabilities

Recent Improper Input Validation vulnerabilities

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