Privilege Escalation Vulnerability in Intel Microcode Package
Summary
UBUNTU-CVE-2024-24853: Incorrect behavior order in transition between executive monitor and SMI transfer monitor (STM) in some Intel(R) Processor may allow a privileged user to potentially enable escalation of privilege via local access. Affects intel-microcode versions 1.20130906.1ubuntu2 – 3.20210608.0ubuntu0.14.04.1+esm1. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
Check if this vulnerability affects your application
Upload a manifest or SBOM and we'll show whether you're affected, plus every other risky package in the same scan.
No signup required · Results in about 60 seconds
Background
The Intel Microcode package is essential for updating the microcode of Intel processors, enhancing their performance and security. It plays a critical role in ensuring that the CPU operates correctly and securely by applying necessary updates and fixes. However, vulnerabilities in this package can expose systems to significant risks, including privilege escalation, where unauthorized users may gain elevated access to system resources.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-24853 arises from an incorrect behavior order in the transition between the executive monitor and the SMI transfer monitor (STM) in certain Intel processors. This flaw could allow a privileged user to potentially escalate privileges through local access, leading to unauthorized actions and access to sensitive information. The CVSS score for this vulnerability is 7.2, indicating a high severity level that necessitates immediate attention.
How To Fix
No fixed version is published for this vulnerability.
Tip — Not sure whether your app is affected? Vulert can check the versions your app actually runs. Scan free →
Workaround
As a temporary workaround, users can limit access to the affected systems to trusted personnel only, thereby reducing the risk of exploitation until the package is updated.
Conclusion
The CVE-2024-24853 vulnerability in the Intel Microcode package poses a significant risk of privilege escalation. Users are strongly advised to update to the latest patched version to secure their systems. Utilizing tools like Vulert can help monitor and manage vulnerabilities effectively.
See every vulnerability recorded for intel-microcode →
FAQ
CVE-2024-24853 is a vulnerability in the Intel Microcode package that allows for potential privilege escalation due to incorrect behavior in processor management.
You can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities in real-time. Visit Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected without any signup.
The primary risk is that a privileged user could escalate their access rights, potentially leading to unauthorized actions and exposure of sensitive data.
Yes, a patched version of the Intel Microcode package is available. Users should update to the latest version to mitigate the risk.
If an immediate update is not possible, restrict access to the affected systems to trusted users as a temporary measure.
Related vulnerabilities
Recent vulnerabilities recorded for intel-microcode.
