CVE-2021-36323 Code injection in CPG BIOS

High 7.5 Published 12 Nov 2021 Updated 8 Oct 2026

A local authenticated attacker can exploit improper input validation in Dell BIOS to execute arbitrary code in SMRAM, requiring firmware updates.

Exploited in the wild: Not known
Login needed: An administrator
Attackable: Local or same network only
Victim action needed: Not needed
Fix: None listed

What is CVE-2021-36323?

CVE-2021-36323 is a high-severity code injection vulnerability in Dell Alienware Area 51m R2 Firmware, published on 12 Nov 2021. It can only be exploited from the same machine or local network, with no action from the victim.

Official description

Dell BIOS contains an improper input validation vulnerability. A local authenticated malicious user may potentially exploit this vulnerability by using an SMI to gain arbitrary code execution in SMRAM.

Weakness: CWE-20

Which versions are affected by CVE-2021-36323?

It affects 283 products.

Products include Dell Alienware 13 R3 Firmware, Dell Alienware 15 R3 Firmware, Dell Alienware 15 R4 Firmware, Dell Alienware 17 R4 Firmware, Dell Alienware 17 R5 Firmware, Dell Alienware Area 51m R1 Firmware and 277 more.

How do I fix CVE-2021-36323?

No fix has been published for CVE-2021-36323 yet. Limit exposure of the affected software until one is available.

Upgrade, and never evaluate templates, expressions or code built from user input. More about Code injection.

Is CVE-2021-36323 being exploited?

There is no known exploitation of CVE-2021-36323 in the wild and no public exploit code.

All Dell Alienware Area 51m R2 Firmware vulnerabilities

Sources

Also known as GHSA-xpv8-fw7f-p7c6.