CVE-2022-40261
CVE-2022-40261 is a high-severity vulnerability in Intel Nuc M15 Laptop Kit Lapbc510 Firmware with a CVSS 3.x base score of 8.2. 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-120.
Key facts
- Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 8.2)
- EPSS exploit prediction: 0% (25th percentile)
- Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
- Weakness: CWE-120
- Affected product: Intel Nuc M15 Laptop Kit Lapbc510 Firmware
- Published:
- Last modified:
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
Frequently asked questions
- What is CVE-2022-40261?
- 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
- How severe is CVE-2022-40261?
- CVE-2022-40261 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 8.2, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires high privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.
- Is CVE-2022-40261 being actively exploited?
- It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (25th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- What products are affected by CVE-2022-40261?
- CVE-2022-40261 primarily affects Intel Nuc M15 Laptop Kit Lapbc510 Firmware. In total, 3 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
- How do I fix CVE-2022-40261?
- 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-2022-40261 published?
- CVE-2022-40261 was published on 2022-09-20 and last updated on 2026-06-17.
References
Affected products (3)
- cpe:2.3:o:intel:nuc_m15_laptop_kit_lapbc510_firmware:-:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
- cpe:2.3:o:intel:nuc_m15_laptop_kit_lapbc710_firmware:-:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
- cpe:2.3:o:ami:aptio_v:5.0:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
More vulnerabilities in Intel Nuc M15 Laptop Kit Lapbc510 Firmware
- CVE-2022-40250 — High (CVSS 8.8): An attacker can exploit this vulnerability to elevate privileges from ring 0 to ring -2, execute arbitrary code in…
- CVE-2022-26873 — High (CVSS 8.2): A potential attacker can execute an arbitrary code at the time of the PEI phase and influence the subsequent boot…
- CVE-2022-32569 — High (CVSS 7.5): Improper buffer restrictions in BIOS firmware for some Intel(R) NUC M15 Laptop Kits before version BCTGL357.0074 may…
- CVE-2023-22312 — High (CVSS 7.2): Improper access control for some Intel(R) NUC BIOS firmware may allow a privileged user to potentially enable…
- CVE-2022-40246 — High (CVSS 7.2): A potential attacker can write one byte by arbitrary address at the time of the PEI phase (only during S3 resume boot…
- CVE-2024-25561 — Medium (CVSS 6.7): Insecure inherited permissions in some Intel(R) HID Event Filter software installers before version 2.2.2.1 may allow…
All CVEs affecting Intel Nuc M15 Laptop Kit Lapbc510 Firmware →
Other CWE-120 (Classic Buffer Overflow) vulnerabilities
- CVE-2025-48611 — Critical (CVSS 10.0): In DeviceId of DeviceId.java, there is a possible desync in persistence due to a missing bounds check. This could lead…
- CVE-2026-24823 — Critical (CVSS 10.0): Out-of-bounds Write, Buffer Copy without Checking Size of Input ('Classic Buffer Overflow') vulnerability in FASTSHIFT…
- CVE-2026-24810 — Critical (CVSS 10.0): Buffer Copy without Checking Size of Input ('Classic Buffer Overflow') vulnerability in rethinkdb (src/cjson modules).…
- CVE-2026-24800 — Critical (CVSS 10.0): Out-of-bounds Write, Buffer Copy without Checking Size of Input ('Classic Buffer Overflow') vulnerability in tildearrow…
- CVE-2025-9962 — Critical (CVSS 10.0): A buffer overflow vulnerability in Novakon P series allows attackers to gain root permission without prior…
- CVE-2010-10016 — Critical (CVSS 10.0): BS.Player version 2.57 (build 1051) contains a vulnerability in its playlist import functionality. When processing .m3u…
Browse all CWE-120 (Classic Buffer Overflow) vulnerabilities →