Full Report
According to the research published Tuesday, it is possible for an attacker to break into the ControlVault chip used in many laptops owned by security professionals and modify the firmware inside.
Analysis Summary
# Vulnerability: ReVault Flaws in Dell Laptops utilizing Broadcom ControlVault SoC
## CVE Details
- CVE ID: CVE-2025-24919, CVE-2025-24311, CVE-2025-25050, CVE-2025-24922, CVE-2025-25215 (Collective "ReVault" issue involving five distinct vulnerabilities)
- CVSS Score: Not explicitly stated, but Dell referred to the impact as "critical".
- CWE: Various (Exposure, Out-of-bounds Read/Write, Stack Buffer Overflow, Arbitrary Free)
## Affected Systems
- Products: Dell Laptops utilizing Broadcom ControlVault SoC (specifically Latitude and Precision series mentioned).
- Versions: Affects over 100 different models, specific versions not enumerated in the source.
- Configurations: Devices using ControlVault for security features such as passwords, biometric templates, and security codes (Smart Card, NFC token usage).
## Vulnerability Description
A series of five vulnerabilities collectively referred to as "ReVault" allows an attacker to compromise the Broadcom ControlVault System-on-Chip (SoC), which acts as a secure vault isolated from the main operating system for storing sensitive security credentials. Specific vulnerabilities include:
* **CVE-2025-24919:** Insecure exposure of ControlVault via Windows APIs, allowing remote attacks without administrator access.
* **CVE-2025-24311 (OOB Read):** Allows leakage of sensitive material from the ControlVault.
* **CVE-2025-25050 (OOB Write):** Allows an attacker to write unauthorized material into the ControlVault.
* **CVE-2025-24922 (Stack Buffer Overflow):** Allows for code execution inside the ControlVault firmware.
* **CVE-2025-25215 (Arbitrary Free):** Allows memory erasure within the chip and planting of hidden malware.
Successful exploitation allows an attacker to steal credentials stored in the vault and implant firmware-level malware hidden from OS-level anti-virus tools.
## Exploitation
- Status: No evidence of exploitation in the wild.
- Complexity: Likely Medium to Low, as CVE-2025-24919 allows remote attack without elevated privileges via existing Windows APIs.
- Attack Vector: Network (Remote exploitation is possible).
## Impact
- Confidentiality: High (The primary goal is stealing credentials, biometric templates, and security codes from the secure vault).
- Integrity: High (Ability to modify firmware within the SoC and plant persistent malware).
- Availability: Potential (Memory erasure vulnerability could impact the functionality of security hardware).
## Remediation
### Patches
- Dell addressed these issues and provided firmware updates starting in March of this year (2025, based on context). Customers were notified in June. **Action:** Apply the latest ControlVault firmware updates provided by Dell.
### Workarounds
- No specific workarounds detailed, but the context implies the use of ControlVault-dependent security features (fingerprint login, smart card) significantly elevates risk if unpatched. Reducing reliance on these features might be a temporary measure.
## Detection
- Indicators of Compromise (IOCs): Not explicitly listed, but potential IOCs include unexpected changes to secure authentication features or unusual memory behavior within the ControlVault subsystem (requires specialized hardware/firmware monitoring).
- Detection methods and tools: Requires specialized tools capable of inspecting or monitoring the isolated ControlVault firmware/memory, as OS-level AV tools may be bypassed by firmware-level implant.
## References
- Vendor Advisory: [hxxps://www.dell.com/support/kbdoc/en-us/000276106/dsa-2025-053]
- Research Paper: [hxxps://blog.talosintelligence.com/revault-when-your-soc-turns-against-you/]
- Product Information: [hxxps://www.dell.com/support/home/en-us/drivers/driversdetails?driverid=hgx2g]