SMRAM code execution via improperly validated SMI
Published Jan 18, 2023 · Updated Apr 3, 2025
Improper input validation in Dell BIOS allows local authenticated users to execute arbitrary code in SMRAM through a crafted SMI. Dell has not disclosed the affected SMI handler, input field, or precise validation error beyond identifying improper input validation. Exploitation requires local high-privileged access and a high-complexity SMI path that crosses into protected System Management Mode memory.
Summary
What happened
Improper input validation in Dell BIOS allows local authenticated users to execute arbitrary code in SMRAM through a crafted SMI. Dell has not disclosed the affected SMI handler, input field, or precise validation error beyond identifying improper input validation. Exploitation requires local high-privileged access and a high-complexity SMI path that crosses into protected System Management Mode memory.
The record
- CVE
- CVE-2022-34393
- Published
- Jan 18, 2023
- Updated
- Apr 3, 2025
- Vendor
- Dell
- Product
- Dell BIOS
- Classifications
- CWE-20, T1068
- Attack vector
- local
- Privileges
- admin
Timeline
How it unfolded
- Jan 18, 2023CVE publishedPublication date reported by the CVE source.
- Apr 3, 2025Record updatedLatest update available in the CVE record.
Exploitability
Present is not the same as exploitable
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Is a vulnerable build present?
Compare these published version ranges with your installed build and any vendor patches.
- Affected versionversion=0 <=2.17.0
What conditions does exploitation require?
What is affected?
Published CVSS scores
CVSS describes severity. EPSS estimates exploitation probability.
Attacks
What attackers are doing with it
Daily unique IPs observed by Shadowserver honeypots for known exploited vulnerabilities (KEVs). Missing observations do not establish an absence of attacks.
Weakness, pattern, technique
Public exploit references
No public exploit references are available in this record.
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Technologies
Your stack
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Your stack
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