Getac Technology Corporation Statement on Microsoft Security Update
(Windows Update KB5025885 for Secure Boot Changes Associated with CVE-2023-24932)
Updated: 6/5/2023
Background
Since the Secure Boot security feature has been bypassed by the BlackLotus UEFI bootkit, which is tracked under CVE-2023-24932, Microsoft took action by releasing KB5025885 and security updates on May 9th, 2023, to manage the Windows Boot Manager revocations.
Microsoft's Security updates are divided into three phases¹, with the final phase being enforcement. The final enforcement phase, which will implement permanent mitigations, is tentatively scheduled for the first quarter of 2024.
Risk & Impact
- The BlackLotus UEFI bootkit vulnerability allows attackers to maintain control over and potentially manipulate the device. It is strongly recommended that all customers apply the Windows security updates released on May 9th, 2023, to implement necessary security mitigations.
- The revocations will be programmatically enforced in the first quarter of 2024.¹ Therefore, if a device replaces its hard disk retained by the old Boot Manager, it will not be able to boot after the enforcement date.
Detailed Instructions by Microsoft
Actions for Getac Users
All bootable media is suggested to be upgraded to the latest version. Getac suggests our customers follow the actions outlined below based on different scenarios. Getac will announce the timing for bootable images, including the recovery partition and Getac Recovery Media Utility ("GRMU")² ISO images.
- For current customers using Getac devices: Please proceed with the Windows upgrade process to install the latest version of Windows.
- Scenario of system recovery or replace hard disk replacement after revocations enforced:
- Using GRMU:
Please download the latest GRMU² ISO images and perform the system recovery.
- Recovery partition²:
Getac will release a tool to make the necessary modifications.
- Using GRMU:
FAQ
Starting from the first quarter of 2024, Microsoft will enforce the revocation through an update. The old Boot Manager will be added to the disallowed signature database. If a device falls into any of the following scenarios involving the use of the old Boot Manager, it will fail to boot after the first quarter of 2024.
- The user swaps their HDD and boots up using an OS that has not been updated with the KB released on May 9th, 2023.
- The user utilizes the original image of GRMU for USB boot.
- The user boots to the original WinPE using a USB drive.
- The device undergoes PXE booting to the original operating system.
- If the Recovery partition does not have the updated Boot Manager or contains an old Boot Manager.
¹ Details of revocations and the timing of updates, please refer to Microsoft instructions.
² ³ The GRMU image of certain Getac models will be updated to incorporate the Microsoft May 9th update. The release date for the new version of GRMU and the recovery partition tool will be announced separately.
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