Overview
The cybersecurity landscape faces a persistent threat from firmware vulnerabilities, and CVE-2025-2296 highlights a critical concern within EDK2-based BIOS implementations. This vulnerability, described as ‘Improper Input Validation,’ allows a local attacker to manipulate control flow in unexpected ways. While assigned an informational CVSS score of 0, the vulnerability description explicitly states the potential for arbitrary command execution, threatening the Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability (CIA) of affected systems. Security professionals must understand the nuances of this flaw to mitigate its potential impact. For a comprehensive breakdown, view the full details here: CVE-2025-2296 Details.
Technical Details
CVE-2025-2296 stems from an Improper Input Validation flaw within the EDK2 BIOS. An attacker with local access can exploit this weakness by providing malformed or unexpected input during BIOS operations. This input bypasses proper sanitization and validation routines, leading to the alteration of the system’s control flow. The critical aspect here is the potential for this altered control flow to escalate. While the CVSS score is 0, indicating an informational severity, the detailed description warns of a scenario where this control flow manipulation could lead to arbitrary command execution. Such a capability grants an attacker profound control over the underlying hardware and operating system, allowing for persistent compromise, data exfiltration, or system bricking. The local access requirement means an attacker already has a foothold, but the ability to elevate privileges or execute commands at the BIOS level bypasses many OS-level security controls.
Affected Systems
This vulnerability specifically impacts systems that incorporate EDK2 (EFI Development Kit II) in their BIOS implementations. EDK2 is a widely used open-source project that provides a modern, feature-rich, and modular development environment for UEFI firmware. Consequently, a broad range of hardware vendors and device manufacturers that leverage EDK2 in their firmware are potentially susceptible. Organizations must identify all assets running EDK2-based BIOS to assess their exposure. Direct product lists are often dependent on vendor-specific disclosures, making a comprehensive inventory crucial for proactive defense.
Remediation
Addressing CVE-2025-2296 requires a multi-faceted approach centered on firmware security best practices. The primary mitigation involves applying updated BIOS firmware from the respective hardware vendor. These updates typically include patches that implement robust input validation and sanitization, preventing the control flow alteration described. Organizations should:
- Monitor Vendor Advisories: Regularly check for security advisories and firmware updates from hardware manufacturers that utilize EDK2.
- Implement Secure Boot: Ensure Secure Boot is enabled on all systems to prevent unauthorized firmware or bootloaders from loading.
- Restrict Physical Access: Given the local access requirement, enforce stringent physical security measures for all computing assets.
- Patch Management: Establish a rigorous patch management process for firmware updates, treating them with the same priority as operating system and application patches.
- Input Validation Review: For developers and system integrators, review and enhance input validation routines within custom EDK2 firmware components.
