How severe is CVE-2022-21794?

CVE-2022-21794 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.7, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires high privileges and user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.

Is CVE-2022-21794 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (9th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2022-21794?

CVE-2022-21794 primarily affects Intel Nuc Kit Nuc8i7hnk Firmware. In total, 5 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.

How do I fix CVE-2022-21794?

Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.

When was CVE-2022-21794 published?

CVE-2022-21794 was published on 2022-11-11 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2022-21794

CVE-2022-21794 is a high-severity vulnerability in Intel Nuc Kit Nuc8i7hnk Firmware with a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.7. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-287.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 7.7)
EPSS exploit prediction: 0% (9th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-287
Affected product: Intel Nuc Kit Nuc8i7hnk Firmware
Published: 2022-11-11
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

Improper authentication in BIOS firmware for some Intel(R) NUC Boards, Intel(R) NUC Business, Intel(R) NUC Enthusiast, Intel(R) NUC Kits before version HN0067 may allow a privileged user to potentially enable escalation of privilege via local access.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2022-21794?: Improper authentication in BIOS firmware for some Intel(R) NUC Boards, Intel(R) NUC Business, Intel(R) NUC Enthusiast, Intel(R) NUC Kits before version HN0067 may allow a privileged user to potentially enable escalation of privilege via local access.
How severe is CVE-2022-21794?: CVE-2022-21794 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.7, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires high privileges and user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.
Is CVE-2022-21794 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (9th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2022-21794?: CVE-2022-21794 primarily affects Intel Nuc Kit Nuc8i7hnk Firmware. In total, 5 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2022-21794?: Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.
When was CVE-2022-21794 published?: CVE-2022-21794 was published on 2022-11-11 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/security-center/advisory/intel-sa-00752.html

Affected products (5)

cpe:2.3:o:intel:nuc_kit_nuc8i7hnk_firmware:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:intel:nuc_kit_nuc8i7hvk_firmware:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:intel:nuc_8_enthusiast_nuc8i7hvkva_firmware:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:intel:nuc_8_enthusiast_nuc8i7hvkvaw_firmware:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:intel:nuc_8_business_nuc8i7hnkqc_firmware:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

More vulnerabilities in Intel Nuc Kit Nuc8i7hnk Firmware

CVE-2020-0530 — High (CVSS 7.8): Improper buffer restrictions in firmware for Intel(R) NUC may allow an authenticated user to potentially enable…
CVE-2022-36372 — High (CVSS 7.5): Improper buffer restrictions in some Intel(R) NUC BIOS firmware may allow a privileged user to potentially enable…
CVE-2021-0067 — Medium (CVSS 6.7):  Improper access control in system firmware for some Intel(R) NUCs may allow a privileged user to potentially…
CVE-2021-0054 — Medium (CVSS 6.7): Improper buffer restrictions in system firmware for some Intel(R) NUCs may allow a privileged user to potentially…
CVE-2020-0526 — Medium (CVSS 6.7): Improper input validation in firmware for Intel(R) NUC may allow a privileged user to potentially enable escalation of…
CVE-2023-22356 — Medium (CVSS 6.0): Improper initialization in some Intel(R) NUC BIOS firmware may allow a privileged user to potentially enable…

All CVEs affecting Intel Nuc Kit Nuc8i7hnk Firmware →

Other CWE-287 (Improper Authentication) vulnerabilities

CVE-2026-45480 — Critical (CVSS 10.0): Improper authentication in Azure Active Directory allows an unauthorized attacker to elevate privileges over a network.
CVE-2026-46389 — Critical (CVSS 10.0): UDS Identity Config builds the Keycloak configuration image (realm, plugins, theme, truststore, JARs) consumed by UDS…
CVE-2026-10611 — Critical (CVSS 10.0): An authentication bypass vulnerability exists in MISP when LDAP mixed authentication is enabled with OTP enforcement.…
CVE-2026-47280 — Critical (CVSS 10.0): Improper authentication in Azure Resource Manager (ARM) allows an unauthorized attacker to elevate privileges over a…
CVE-2026-42822 — Critical (CVSS 10.0): Improper authentication in Azure Local Disconnected Operations allows an unauthorized attacker to elevate privileges…
CVE-2026-20182 — Critical (CVSS 10.0): May 2026: This security advisory provides the details and fix information for a vulnerability that was discovered and…

Browse all CWE-287 (Improper Authentication) vulnerabilities →