EDK II is an open-source development kit for building UEFI firmware, the low-level software that initializes hardware and starts a computer’s boot process. Platform vendors can use it as a foundation for firmware drivers and pre-boot services, including network boot components.
Because EDK II code can run before Windows or Linux starts, vulnerabilities in its components may fall outside many operating-system security controls. For example, a flaw in a PXE network-boot driver could expose a system to malicious network traffic during startup. Defenders should track firmware versions, ask vendors about affected components and updates, and disable PXE boot when it is not needed. If network boot is required, restrict access to its provisioning network while pursuing the appropriate firmware fix.