In early 2022, HP published a series of security advisories outlining troubling vulnerabilities in the BIOS firmware of several PC models. CVE-2022-23932 stands out among them, with the potential to allow attackers not just to wreak havoc inside your PC, but to do so with complete authority—bypassing normal protections and controls. In this long read, we’ll break down what makes this bug so dangerous, how attackers can abuse it, and what you can do right now to keep yourself secure.

What is CVE-2022-23932?

CVE-2022-23932 is a critical vulnerability in the BIOS (Basic Input / Output System) of certain HP computers. BIOS is the firmware layer between your computer's hardware and its operating system. If attackers manage to exploit this layer, they can control the entire machine at a level below the reach of Windows or most antivirus tools.

HP’s advisory states this vulnerability could allow Escalation of Privilege, Arbitrary and Unauthorized Code Execution, Denial of Service (DoS), and Information Disclosure.

Official HP Advisory:
https://support.hp.com/gb-en/document/ish_5687273-5687305-16

NVD Entry:
https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2022-23932

Who Is Affected?

HP identified the vulnerability in firmware for a range of desktop and notebook products. Devices typically affected are those using HP Converged Security and Manageability Engine (CSME) or similar platform firmware.

If you use any HP PC—especially a business desktop or notebook purchased in the last several years—check your model number and BIOS version against the official HP security bulletin.

How Attackers Exploit CVE-2022-23932

Unlike normal software bugs that live in Windows or your apps, BIOS bugs are especially nasty because:

Exploitation Flow

1. Initial Access: An attacker gets some level of access to your system, possibly by tricking you into running malicious code, or exploiting another vulnerability (like a phishing email).
2. Privilege Escalation: Taking advantage of CVE-2022-23932, they run code that abuses the BIOS vulnerability.
3. Malicious BIOS Update: The attacker writes or "flashes" a modified BIOS, embedding malware or backdoors at the firmware level.
4. Persistence & Control: Now, even if you reinstall Windows or wipe your hard drive, the attacker’s code stays in control, able to disable security or even "brick" (destroy) the PC.

Sample Attack Snippet

Here’s a basic concept, in Python-style pseudocode, showing how an attacker might target a BIOS update tool to escalate privileges:

import subprocess

# This command triggers a (legitimate) system BIOS update
bios_update_cmd = "HPBIOSUpdater.exe /update /file:malicious_bios.bin"

# Attacker replaces the BIOS file with a crafted, malicious version
# (in reality, BIOS images & flash tools require deep system access)

# Run the update as administrator -- often attackers exploit other bugs 
# to get here, or try social engineering
subprocess.run(bios_update_cmd, shell=True)

Above: An attacker running a BIOS update tool with a tampered image file. With CVE-2022-23932, validation checks could be bypassed, allowing unauthorized code to run inside your PC's hardware brain.

"Real World" Exploits

While proof-of-concept code typically isn’t published for BIOS-level bugs due to the risk, several security researchers have demonstrated similar bugs at large conferences (e.g., Black Hat, DEF CON). For CVE-2022-23932, attackers would likely need some kind of local code execution first, but from there, the attack can move entirely below the radar.

Full system takeover: Complete bypass of operating system security.

- Malware hiding below Windows: Attackers can embed rootkits that survive wipes, reinstalls, or antivirus scans.

Information leaks: Secrets stored in firmware can be stolen.

- Permanent Denial of Service ("bricking"): The attacker can render your computer completely inoperable.
- Attacks on networks: Once a compromised PC is inside a company, attackers can pivot to breach corporate networks.

HP’s Fix — and Your Next Steps

HP has released BIOS updates for affected models.

Go to the HP security bulletin:

https://support.hp.com/gb-en/document/ish_5687273-5687305-16

2. Search for your product/model number and BIOS version.
_You can press Windows+R, type msinfo32, and check “BIOS Version/Date”._

Read and follow HP’s instructions carefully.

Updating BIOS improperly can cause issues—make sure your laptop is plugged in and follow every step.

Open Command Prompt and check your system manufacturer and BIOS version

wmic bios get smbiosbiosversion
wmic computersystem get manufacturer,model

If your BIOS version matches a vulnerable build per HP’s bulletin, update immediately.

References & Further Reading

- CVE-2022-23932 Details - NIST NVD
- HP Security Bulletin
- Firmware Attacks: Why BIOS Vulnerabilities Matter (Ars Technica)
- How to Check and Update Your BIOS (How-To Geek)

The Bottom Line

BIOS vulnerabilities are no joke.
CVE-2022-23932 is a clear reminder that even your hardware’s “brain” is not immune from attack.
If you run an HP desktop or laptop—at home or in the office—patch your BIOS today and keep an eye on HP’s bulletins for future updates.

*Stay safe, and don’t ignore those firmware updates—they’re your best defense against threats you’ll never notice…until it’s too late.*

Timeline

Published on: 03/11/2022 18:15:00 UTC
Last modified on: 03/21/2022 17:45:00 UTC