bios_flash_driver: Exposed IOCTL with Insufficient Access Control
CVE-2024-33221 is a high-severity exposed IOCTL with insufficient access control vulnerability in bios_flash_driver from ASUS, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.8 out of 10. It can be exploited with local access to the system by an attacker with a low-privileged account, without any action from a user. Affected bios_flash_driver versions: 3.2.12.0. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.18% chance of exploitation within 30 days, which is low compared with other CVEs.
High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.
What to do
- Check which version of bios_flash_driver you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| ASUS | bios_flash_driver | 3.2.12.0 | Not stated |
Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE. 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
- LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
- Privileges required
- LowA basic user account is enough.
- User interaction
- NoneNo action by a victim is required.
- Scope
- UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
- 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:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by CISA (ADP).
Official description
An issue in the component AsusBSItf.sys of ASUSTeK Computer Inc ASUS BIOS Flash Driver v3.2.12.0 allows attackers to escalate privileges and execute arbitrary code via sending crafted IOCTL requests.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Exposed IOCTL with Insufficient Access Control
The product implements an IOCTL with functionality that should be restricted, but it does not properly enforce access control for the IOCTL.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- In Windows environments, use proper access control for the associated device or device namespace. See References.
More Exposed IOCTL with Insufficient Access Control vulnerabilities (CWE-782)
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: no, technical impact: total).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Other references
Recent Exposed IOCTL with Insufficient Access Control vulnerabilities
- 8.4 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
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