HOMEVULNERABILITIESCVE-2022-40261
HIGH

CVE-2022-40261

CWE-120Published: September 20, 2022· Updated: Jun 17, 2026

8.2
CVSS v3.1

Official Description

An attacker can exploit this vulnerability to elevate privileges from ring 0 to ring -2, execute arbitrary code in System Management Mode - an environment more privileged than operating system (OS) and completely isolated from it. Running arbitrary code in SMM additionally bypasses SMM-based SPI flash protections against modifications, which can help an attacker to install a firmware backdoor/implant into BIOS. Such a malicious firmware code in BIOS could persist across operating system re-installs. Additionally, this vulnerability potentially could be used by malicious actors to bypass security mechanisms provided by UEFI firmware (for example, Secure Boot and some types of memory isolation for hypervisors). This issue affects: Module name: OverClockSmiHandler SHA256: a204699576e1a48ce915d9d9423380c8e4c197003baf9d17e6504f0265f3039c Module GUID: 4698C2BD-A903-410E-AD1F-5EEF3A1AE422

NVD Source

Technical Analysis

CVE-2022-40261 requires local access, meaning attackers must already have a foothold on the target system.

Exploitation requires high privileges, which limits the exposure to scenarios where an attacker has already gained initial access.

A successful exploit results in complete confidentiality breach (data exposure), full integrity compromise (data manipulation), availability disruption (denial of service), with a CVSS base score of 8.2.

The vulnerability has a "Changed" scope, meaning successful exploitation can impact components beyond the vulnerable component itself — such as the host operating system or adjacent services.

CVSS v3.1 Vector Breakdown

Exploitability
Attack VectorLocal
Attack ComplexityLow
Privileges Req.High
User InteractionNone
ScopeChanged
Impact
ConfidentialityHigh
IntegrityHigh
AvailabilityHigh
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H

Affected Vendors & Products

ami1 product(s)
aptio v
intel4 product(s)
nuc m15 laptop kit lapbc510 firmwarenuc m15 laptop kit lapbc510nuc m15 laptop kit lapbc710 firmwarenuc m15 laptop kit lapbc710
Source: NVD CPE · 5 total CPE entries

Exploit & PoC Resources

NO KNOWN EXPLOITNo public exploit confirmed at this time
Exploit-DB
Offensive Security exploit database
GitHub PoC Search
Community PoC repositories
Rapid7 / Metasploit
Metasploit module search
PacketStorm
Security advisories & exploits
NVD Detail
Official NIST entry
MITRE CVE
CVE Program entry
External links open in a new tab. Always verify in a controlled environment before use.

Official Patches & Advisories

ADVISORYhttps://www.ami.com/security-center/
ADVISORYhttps://www.binarly.io/advisories/BRLY-2022-003
ADVISORYhttps://www.ami.com/security-center/
ADVISORYhttps://www.binarly.io/advisories/BRLY-2022-003

All References (4)

→
https://www.ami.com/security-center/Vendor Advisory
→
https://www.binarly.io/advisories/BRLY-2022-003Exploit · Third Party Advisory
→
https://www.ami.com/security-center/Vendor Advisory
→
https://www.binarly.io/advisories/BRLY-2022-003Exploit · Third Party Advisory

Quick Facts

CVE IDCVE-2022-40261
CVSS Score8.2 / 10
SeverityHIGH
WeaknessCWE-120
CISA KEVNo
Affected2 vendor(s)
PublishedSep 20, 2022

Related CVEs (CWE-120)

CVE-2023-4260
10.0
CVE-2001-0554
10.0
CVE-2021-33972
10.0
CVE-2021-33975
10.0
CVE-1999-0046
10.0
CVE-1999-1237
10.0

Recommended Actions

  • →Apply vendor patches immediately
  • →Monitor CVE-2022-40261 in threat intel feeds
  • →Review IDS/IPS signatures for exploitation attempts
Data sourced from NVD (NIST), CISA KEV, and EPSS (FIRST). Analysis generated by CTIWATCH.COM. CVE data is provided under the NVD usage policy.
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