CVE-2022-32492 is a high-severity vulnerability identified in Dell CPG BIOS, categorized under CWE-20 (Improper Input Validation). The vulnerability arises from insufficient validation of inputs within the BIOS firmware, specifically related to System Management Interrupts (SMIs). An authenticated local attacker with high privileges can exploit this flaw by crafting malicious inputs that trigger an SMI, enabling arbitrary code execution within the System Management RAM (SMRAM). SMRAM is a highly privileged memory region used by the BIOS for critical system management functions, and code execution here effectively grants the attacker control at a very low level, bypassing most operating system protections. The CVSS 3.1 score of 7.5 reflects the complexity of exploitation (requiring local authenticated access and high privileges) but also the severe impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, as the attacker can execute arbitrary code with BIOS-level privileges. No specific affected versions are detailed, and no patches or known exploits in the wild have been reported as of the publication date. This vulnerability is significant because BIOS-level compromise can lead to persistent, stealthy attacks that survive OS reinstallation and can undermine all higher-level security controls.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a critical risk especially in environments where Dell hardware with CPG BIOS is deployed. Successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise, allowing attackers to install persistent malware at the firmware level, steal sensitive data, or disrupt system availability. This is particularly concerning for sectors with high-value targets such as government, finance, critical infrastructure, and healthcare, where BIOS-level attacks can undermine trust in system integrity and confidentiality. The requirement for local authenticated access somewhat limits remote exploitation but insider threats or attackers who have gained initial footholds could escalate privileges to exploit this vulnerability. The ability to execute arbitrary code in SMRAM could also facilitate lateral movement within networks, increasing the overall risk to organizational IT infrastructure.

Organizations should prioritize obtaining and applying official BIOS updates from Dell as soon as they become available to address this vulnerability. In the absence of patches, strict access controls should be enforced to limit local administrative access to trusted personnel only. Implementing robust endpoint protection and monitoring for unusual SMI activity or BIOS-level anomalies can help detect exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations should employ hardware-based security features such as Trusted Platform Module (TPM) and BIOS write protections to reduce the risk of firmware tampering. Regular auditing of user privileges and employing multi-factor authentication for administrative access can further reduce the risk of local privilege escalation. Finally, organizations should maintain an inventory of Dell systems with CPG BIOS to assess exposure and prioritize remediation efforts accordingly.