CVE-2022-36763 is a high-severity heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability identified in the TianoCore edk2 project, specifically within the Tcg2MeasureGptTable() function. EDK2 is an open-source implementation of the UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) firmware, widely used as a base for modern firmware development. The vulnerability arises when the Tcg2MeasureGptTable() function improperly handles input, allowing an attacker with local network access to trigger a heap buffer overflow. This overflow can corrupt memory, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution or system crashes. The vulnerability requires low privileges (local user with network access), high attack complexity, and no user interaction, but it impacts confidentiality, integrity, and availability due to the possibility of executing malicious code or causing denial of service. The vulnerability affects all versions of edk2, indicating a broad exposure across systems using this firmware base. While no public exploits are currently known, the nature of the vulnerability and its location within firmware code make it a critical concern, as successful exploitation could undermine the trustworthiness of the system's boot process and firmware security mechanisms.

For European organizations, the impact of this vulnerability is significant due to the widespread use of UEFI firmware based on edk2 in servers, desktops, and embedded devices. Compromise at the firmware level can lead to persistent malware infections that survive OS reinstallations, enabling attackers to maintain long-term access and control. This threatens confidentiality by potentially exposing sensitive data, integrity by allowing unauthorized code execution or firmware tampering, and availability by causing system instability or denial of service. Critical infrastructure sectors such as finance, healthcare, telecommunications, and government agencies in Europe rely heavily on secure firmware for operational continuity and data protection. A successful attack exploiting this vulnerability could disrupt services, lead to data breaches, and undermine trust in digital systems. The requirement for local network access somewhat limits remote exploitation but does not eliminate risk, especially in environments with insufficient network segmentation or insider threats.

To mitigate this vulnerability, European organizations should first ensure that all firmware components based on edk2 are updated to versions where this vulnerability is patched once available. Since no patch links are currently provided, organizations should monitor TianoCore and vendor advisories closely for updates. In the interim, network segmentation should be enforced to restrict local network access to trusted users and devices only. Implement strict access controls and monitoring on network segments hosting critical systems with vulnerable firmware. Employ firmware integrity verification tools and secure boot mechanisms to detect unauthorized firmware modifications. Additionally, organizations should conduct regular security audits of their firmware and UEFI configurations, and consider deploying endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of identifying anomalous behavior indicative of firmware-level compromise. Training and awareness programs for IT staff on firmware security best practices are also recommended to reduce the risk of exploitation.