CVE-2022-32487 is a high-severity vulnerability identified in Dell's CPG BIOS firmware, categorized under CWE-20 for improper input validation. The vulnerability arises from the BIOS's failure to properly validate inputs, which can be exploited by a local authenticated attacker. Specifically, the attacker can leverage System Management Interrupts (SMIs) to execute arbitrary code within the System Management RAM (SMRAM), a highly privileged memory region used by the BIOS for critical system management functions. Exploitation requires high privileges (local authenticated user) and no user interaction, but the attack complexity is high due to the need for local access and elevated permissions. The vulnerability impacts confidentiality, integrity, and availability, as arbitrary code execution in SMRAM can lead to full system compromise, including persistent firmware-level malware that is difficult to detect and remediate. No specific affected versions are detailed, but the vulnerability pertains to Dell's CPG BIOS firmware. There are no known exploits in the wild as of the published date, and no official patches have been linked yet. The CVSS v3.1 score is 7.5, reflecting the high impact and complexity of the vulnerability.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk, especially for enterprises and government agencies relying on Dell hardware with CPG BIOS. Successful exploitation could allow attackers to bypass operating system security controls, implant persistent malware at the firmware level, and potentially disrupt critical infrastructure or steal sensitive data. The ability to execute arbitrary code in SMRAM means attackers can maintain stealthy control over affected systems, evade detection by traditional endpoint security solutions, and potentially spread laterally within networks. This is particularly concerning for sectors with high security requirements such as finance, healthcare, and public administration. The requirement for local authenticated access somewhat limits remote exploitation, but insider threats or attackers who gain initial footholds could leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges and deepen their control. The lack of available patches increases the urgency for mitigation in the interim.

European organizations should prioritize the following measures: 1) Inventory and identify all Dell systems using CPG BIOS firmware to assess exposure. 2) Monitor Dell's official security advisories closely for firmware updates or patches addressing CVE-2022-32487 and apply them promptly once available. 3) Restrict local administrative access to trusted personnel only, employing strict access controls and multi-factor authentication to reduce the risk of insider exploitation. 4) Implement robust endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of detecting anomalous behavior indicative of firmware-level compromise or SMI misuse. 5) Employ hardware-based security features such as Trusted Platform Module (TPM) and BIOS write protection to limit unauthorized firmware modifications. 6) Conduct regular security audits and firmware integrity checks to detect unauthorized changes. 7) Educate IT staff and users about the risks of local privilege escalation vulnerabilities and enforce the principle of least privilege to minimize attack surfaces. These steps go beyond generic advice by focusing on firmware-specific defenses and operational controls tailored to this vulnerability's characteristics.