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‘Ghost in the Machine’ Exploits Spotted in Gigabyte Firmware

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Attackers Can Upload Malware in System Management Mode and Disable Secure Boot

Prajeet Nair (@prajeetspeaks) •
July 15, 2025    

'Ghost in the Machine' Exploits Spotted in Gigabyte Firmware
Multiple high-severity vulnerabilities in Gigabyte’s UEFI firmware could enable attackers to execute arbitrary code within System Management Mode. (Image: Shutterstock)

Multiple high-severity vulnerabilities in Gigabyte’s UEFI firmware could enable attackers to execute arbitrary code within System Management Mode, granting persistent and nearly undetectable control over affected systems.

See Also: Cyber Hygiene and Asset Management Perception vs. Reality

The flaws, tracked as CVE-2025-7026 through CVE-2025-7029, resurface vulnerabilities previously identified in American Megatrends Inc. firmware and are now confirmed to affect Gigabyte products, according to coordinated disclosures by Binarly and Carnegie Mellon University”s CERT/CC.

System Management Mode is a highly privileged execution environment in x86 processors, operating below the OS in an isolated region of memory known as System Management RAM. Exploiting SMM enables adversaries to bypass OS-level protections, disable platform security features including Secure Boot and Intel BootGuard, and install stealthy firmware implants resistant to detection and removal.

These vulnerabilities enable an attacker to corrupt SMM memory and execute arbitrary code with Ring-2 privileges, said Binarly in its advisory. Binarly said the vulnerabilities enable full control of the platform, effectively undermining the integrity of the operating system and all higher-layer security tools.

The flaws center on improper validation of data passed to System Management Interrupt handlers. They include:

Although these bugs require local or remote administrative privileges for exploitation, successful attacks can be launched from within the OS or during early boot phases, sleep states or recovery environments, well before endpoint security tools are operational.

The risk is especially severe for legacy systems, as many are no longer under active support and remain unpatched.

Gigabyte confirmed the vulnerabilities affect legacy Intel-based platforms, including the H110, Z170, Z270, Z370, Z390 and Z590 motherboard families. While newer platforms are not affected, BIOS updates are being released for currently supported models. End-of-life products will not receive automatic updates. Users must contact Gigabyte field application engineers for remediation guidance.

Users should immediately check the Gigabyte support site for updated firmware or contact their OEM for support, especially if they are operating on EOL platforms, said CERT/CC in its advisory. CERT/CC aid the vunerabilities are not theoretical issues. Exploitation can result in stealthy and persistent system compromise.

According to CERT/CC, the vulnerabilities were previously addressed by AMI in private disclosures but were found to persist in some OEM integrations like those by Gigabyte, underscoring the need for rigorous downstream firmware validation.

Binarly warned that the SMM attack surface is one of the most attractive for adversaries because of its privileged execution and invisibility to the OS. The presence of these flaws in production firmware reaffirms that better safeguards and validation practices are needed across the firmware supply chain.

Cobalt CTO Gunter Ollmann said, “Firmware vulnerabilities like these represent a nightmare scenario – persistent, hard-to-detect control that bypasses virtually all OS-level defenses. It’s the ultimate ”ghost in the machine” scenario: compromise at the hardware layer that operates below the OS’s visibility and exploits a space inherently trusted by the system. This evolution in attacker tactics reinforces the need for security testing that spans every layer of the stack. Organizations should incorporate firmware-level targets into their pentesting programs and ensure their red teams have the expertise to probe the deepest layers of system architecture,” Cobalt CTO Gunter Ollmann said.

Organizations are urged to deploy updated BIOS versions as soon as they become available and consider transitioning from unsupported legacy hardware. Regular firmware assessments and vendor coordination are critical components of a robust hardware security strategy.





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    Boosting Cybersecurity for Small Businesses: Effective Strategies for Task Automation

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    Employing Automated Threat Detection

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    Implementing Patch Management Systems

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    Enabling Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

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    Automating Security Auditing and Compliance

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    Deploying Automated Data Backups and Recovery

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    Educating Employees with Security Awareness Training

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    As cyber threats continue to evolve, small businesses must adopt proactive cybersecurity measures to protect their sensitive data and operations. By embracing automation, small businesses can effectively enhance their cyber defense capabilities. From automated threat detection and patch management to multi-factor authentication and data backups, these automation strategies provide small businesses with robust security solutions despite limited resources. Small businesses can mitigate risks, safeguard their digital assets, and focus on growth and innovation by automating cybersecurity tasks.

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    To achieve their goal, ethical hackers immerse themselves in the expanse of security breaches, exploits, and vulnerability scenarios. They leave no stone unturned. Their goal is to protect organizations from malicious attacks, ensuring that the digital fortress remains untouchable.

    Don't underestimate the importance of ethical hacking. As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, cybersecurity has never been more pressing. According to a report by Emergen Research, the cybersecurity industry is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.0% to 13.4% from 2022 to 2030. This surge in demand reflects the critical importance of ethical hackers in fortifying digital infrastructure against the relentless onslaught of cyber threats.

    Embracing the Journey: Continuous Learning and Certification for Ethical Hackers

    Becoming an ethical hacker requires diverse skills and knowledge. Understanding the types of hackers is crucial, as it provides insights into how they operate. Armed with this knowledge, ethical hackers delve into cutting-edge tools and techniques. They leverage their skills to identify vulnerabilities and devise countermeasures.

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    The Tools of Ethical Hacking

    Curious about the tools an ethical hacker uses? They have access to a diverse range of tools. These tools allow them to probe and analyze digital systems, uncover weaknesses, and assess the resilience of security measures. While the specific tools vary based on the objectives and preferences of individual ethical hackers, there are several standard tools they employ. 

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    References:

    "Cybersecurity Market, By Component (Hardware, Solution, Service), By Security Type, By Solution, By Application (IT & Telecom, Retail, BFSI, Healthcare, Defense & Government, Manufacturing, Energy, Others), By Region Forecast to 2032". Www.Emergenresearch.Com, 2023, https://www.emergenresearch.com/industry-report/cyber-security-market. Accessed 25 May 2023.

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    PSL’s Easy Guide to Understanding Cybersecurity

    The world of cybersecurity can often feel like a maze of technobabble and obscure acronyms. Yet in an era where our lives increasingly depend on digital infrastructure, it's important to have a basic understanding of the terminology involved. Learning about cybersecurity can help you avoid common mistakes and limit the chance of becoming a victim of these crimes.

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    Worm

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    Trojan

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    Ransomware

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    Spyware

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    3) Phishing

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    4) Firewall

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    5) VPN (Virtual Private Network)

    A VPN masks your internet protocol (IP) address to make your online actions nearly untraceable. VPN services establish encrypted connections to provide much greater privacy while using the internet.

    6) Encryption

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    7) Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

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    8) Darknet/Dark Web

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    9) Data Breach

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    10) Botnet

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    Closing Thoughts

    Understanding cybersecurity is not just for the tech-savvy; it's for everyone. We are all potential targets for cyber threats, and comprehension of basic cybersecurity terminology can make a significant difference in safeguarding ourselves and our digital assets.

    Employing cybersecurity measures also helps to keep your digital data safe. This might include using a VPN, enabling two-factor authentication, or simply being wary of suspicious emails to prevent phishing attacks.

    Ultimately, it's not necessary for everyone to be a cybersecurity expert, but a basic understanding of the key terms can be an empowering first step in better securing your digital life. This newfound knowledge can provide you the confidence to navigate the online world with more safety and assurance.