CVE-2022-33907: n/a in n/a
DMA transactions which are targeted at input buffers used for the software SMI handler used by the IdeBusDxe driver could cause SMRAM corruption through a TOCTOU attack... DMA transactions which are targeted at input buffers used for the software SMI handler used by the IdeBusDxe driver could cause SMRAM corruption through a TOCTOU attack. This issue was discovered by Insyde engineering based on the general description provided by Intel's iSTARE group. Fixed in kernel 5.2: 05.27.25, kernel 5.3: 05.36.25, kernel 5.4: 05.44.25 https://www.insyde.com/security-pledge/SA-2022049
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
CVE-2022-33907 is a vulnerability involving the IdeBusDxe driver, specifically related to Direct Memory Access (DMA) transactions targeting input buffers used by the software System Management Interrupt (SMI) handler. The vulnerability arises from a Time-of-Check to Time-of-Use (TOCTOU) race condition, where DMA transactions can manipulate input buffers during the window between validation and use, leading to corruption of System Management RAM (SMRAM). SMRAM is a highly privileged memory region used by the System Management Mode (SMM) in x86 architecture, which operates at a higher privilege level than the operating system kernel. Corruption of SMRAM can allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges, potentially compromising system integrity and confidentiality. This issue was identified by Insyde engineering based on Intel’s iSTARE group’s general description. It affects certain kernel versions (notably kernel 5.2: 05.27.25, 5.3: 05.36.25, and 5.4: 05.44.25) where the IdeBusDxe driver is present and has been addressed in patches released for these kernels. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-367 (Time-of-Check Time-of-Use Race Condition). The CVSS v3.1 base score is 6.4, indicating a medium severity, with the vector string AV:L/AC:H/PR:H/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H, meaning the attack requires local access, high attack complexity, high privileges, no user interaction, unchanged scope, and impacts confidentiality, integrity, and availability to a high degree. No known exploits are reported in the wild as of the publication date. The vulnerability is significant because exploitation could allow an attacker with local privileged access to corrupt SMRAM, potentially leading to persistent and stealthy system compromise at the firmware level.
Potential Impact
For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2022-33907 is primarily relevant to environments where affected kernel versions and the IdeBusDxe driver are deployed, particularly in systems that rely on Intel-based platforms with SMM implementations vulnerable to this TOCTOU issue. Successful exploitation could lead to full system compromise, including unauthorized code execution at the highest privilege level, bypassing OS-level security controls. This could result in data theft, persistent malware implantation, and disruption of critical services. Sectors such as finance, critical infrastructure, government, and manufacturing could be particularly at risk due to the potential for targeted local attacks by insiders or through compromised local devices. The medium CVSS score reflects the requirement for local privileged access and high attack complexity, limiting remote exploitation but not diminishing the severity of impact if exploited. Given the critical role of SMRAM in system security, corruption here undermines the trustworthiness of the entire platform, potentially enabling advanced persistent threats (APTs) to maintain stealthy footholds. European organizations with legacy systems or delayed patching practices may be more vulnerable. Additionally, environments with high-value intellectual property or sensitive personal data are at increased risk of confidentiality breaches and operational disruption.
Mitigation Recommendations
1. Apply the vendor-provided patches promptly for affected kernel versions (5.2, 5.3, 5.4) as specified by Insyde and kernel maintainers to remediate the IdeBusDxe driver vulnerability. 2. Conduct an inventory of systems running affected kernels and verify the presence of the IdeBusDxe driver to prioritize patching efforts. 3. Restrict local administrative access to trusted personnel only, minimizing the risk of local privilege abuse required for exploitation. 4. Employ hardware-based protections such as Intel VT-d or IOMMU to restrict and isolate DMA-capable devices, preventing unauthorized DMA transactions to sensitive memory regions like SMRAM. 5. Implement strict endpoint security controls and monitoring to detect anomalous local activity indicative of exploitation attempts, including unusual SMI handler behavior or DMA traffic. 6. Regularly update firmware and BIOS to the latest versions, as vendors may release additional mitigations or microcode updates addressing related vulnerabilities. 7. Harden system configurations to limit the attack surface, including disabling unnecessary drivers or services that may expose vulnerable components. 8. Educate system administrators on the risks of TOCTOU vulnerabilities and the importance of timely patch management, especially in environments with high-security requirements.
Affected Countries
Germany, France, United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Poland, Sweden, Belgium, Finland
CVE-2022-33907: n/a in n/a
Description
DMA transactions which are targeted at input buffers used for the software SMI handler used by the IdeBusDxe driver could cause SMRAM corruption through a TOCTOU attack... DMA transactions which are targeted at input buffers used for the software SMI handler used by the IdeBusDxe driver could cause SMRAM corruption through a TOCTOU attack. This issue was discovered by Insyde engineering based on the general description provided by Intel's iSTARE group. Fixed in kernel 5.2: 05.27.25, kernel 5.3: 05.36.25, kernel 5.4: 05.44.25 https://www.insyde.com/security-pledge/SA-2022049
AI-Powered Analysis
Technical Analysis
CVE-2022-33907 is a vulnerability involving the IdeBusDxe driver, specifically related to Direct Memory Access (DMA) transactions targeting input buffers used by the software System Management Interrupt (SMI) handler. The vulnerability arises from a Time-of-Check to Time-of-Use (TOCTOU) race condition, where DMA transactions can manipulate input buffers during the window between validation and use, leading to corruption of System Management RAM (SMRAM). SMRAM is a highly privileged memory region used by the System Management Mode (SMM) in x86 architecture, which operates at a higher privilege level than the operating system kernel. Corruption of SMRAM can allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges, potentially compromising system integrity and confidentiality. This issue was identified by Insyde engineering based on Intel’s iSTARE group’s general description. It affects certain kernel versions (notably kernel 5.2: 05.27.25, 5.3: 05.36.25, and 5.4: 05.44.25) where the IdeBusDxe driver is present and has been addressed in patches released for these kernels. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-367 (Time-of-Check Time-of-Use Race Condition). The CVSS v3.1 base score is 6.4, indicating a medium severity, with the vector string AV:L/AC:H/PR:H/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H, meaning the attack requires local access, high attack complexity, high privileges, no user interaction, unchanged scope, and impacts confidentiality, integrity, and availability to a high degree. No known exploits are reported in the wild as of the publication date. The vulnerability is significant because exploitation could allow an attacker with local privileged access to corrupt SMRAM, potentially leading to persistent and stealthy system compromise at the firmware level.
Potential Impact
For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2022-33907 is primarily relevant to environments where affected kernel versions and the IdeBusDxe driver are deployed, particularly in systems that rely on Intel-based platforms with SMM implementations vulnerable to this TOCTOU issue. Successful exploitation could lead to full system compromise, including unauthorized code execution at the highest privilege level, bypassing OS-level security controls. This could result in data theft, persistent malware implantation, and disruption of critical services. Sectors such as finance, critical infrastructure, government, and manufacturing could be particularly at risk due to the potential for targeted local attacks by insiders or through compromised local devices. The medium CVSS score reflects the requirement for local privileged access and high attack complexity, limiting remote exploitation but not diminishing the severity of impact if exploited. Given the critical role of SMRAM in system security, corruption here undermines the trustworthiness of the entire platform, potentially enabling advanced persistent threats (APTs) to maintain stealthy footholds. European organizations with legacy systems or delayed patching practices may be more vulnerable. Additionally, environments with high-value intellectual property or sensitive personal data are at increased risk of confidentiality breaches and operational disruption.
Mitigation Recommendations
1. Apply the vendor-provided patches promptly for affected kernel versions (5.2, 5.3, 5.4) as specified by Insyde and kernel maintainers to remediate the IdeBusDxe driver vulnerability. 2. Conduct an inventory of systems running affected kernels and verify the presence of the IdeBusDxe driver to prioritize patching efforts. 3. Restrict local administrative access to trusted personnel only, minimizing the risk of local privilege abuse required for exploitation. 4. Employ hardware-based protections such as Intel VT-d or IOMMU to restrict and isolate DMA-capable devices, preventing unauthorized DMA transactions to sensitive memory regions like SMRAM. 5. Implement strict endpoint security controls and monitoring to detect anomalous local activity indicative of exploitation attempts, including unusual SMI handler behavior or DMA traffic. 6. Regularly update firmware and BIOS to the latest versions, as vendors may release additional mitigations or microcode updates addressing related vulnerabilities. 7. Harden system configurations to limit the attack surface, including disabling unnecessary drivers or services that may expose vulnerable components. 8. Educate system administrators on the risks of TOCTOU vulnerabilities and the importance of timely patch management, especially in environments with high-security requirements.
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Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.1
- Assigner Short Name
- mitre
- Date Reserved
- 2022-06-17T00:00:00.000Z
- Cisa Enriched
- true
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
Threat ID: 682d983ac4522896dcbed8e7
Added to database: 5/21/2025, 9:09:14 AM
Last enriched: 6/25/2025, 11:46:45 AM
Last updated: 8/8/2025, 8:40:31 PM
Views: 10
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