CVE-2024-21807
📋 TL;DR
An improper initialization vulnerability in Intel Ethernet Network Controller drivers allows authenticated local users to potentially escalate privileges. This affects systems with specific Intel Ethernet hardware using vulnerable driver versions. Attackers could gain root/system-level access on compromised systems.
💻 Affected Systems
- Intel Ethernet Network Controllers and Adapters
⚠️ Manual Verification Required
This CVE does not have specific version information in our database, so automatic vulnerability detection cannot determine if your system is affected.
Why? The CVE database entry doesn't specify which versions are vulnerable (no version ranges provided by the vendor/NVD).
🔒 Custom verification scripts are available for registered users. Sign up free to download automated test scripts.
- Review the CVE details at NVD
- Check vendor security advisories for your specific version
- Test if the vulnerability is exploitable in your environment
- Consider updating to the latest version as a precaution
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Authenticated attacker gains full root/system privileges, enabling complete system compromise, data theft, persistence establishment, and lateral movement.
Likely Case
Privileged user or compromised account escalates to root to install malware, steal credentials, or pivot to other systems.
If Mitigated
With proper access controls and monitoring, impact limited to isolated systems with containment preventing lateral movement.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires authenticated local access and knowledge of driver exploitation. No public exploit code known at this time.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 28.3 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/security-center/advisory/intel-sa-00918.html
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Check current driver version: 'modinfo e1000e' or 'modinfo igb'
2. Download updated driver from Intel website
3. Install new driver package
4. Reboot system to load patched driver
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict local user access
linuxLimit number of users with local shell access to reduce attack surface
Disable vulnerable driver module
linuxBlacklist or prevent loading of vulnerable driver if alternative networking available
echo 'blacklist e1000e' >> /etc/modprobe.d/blacklist.conf
echo 'blacklist igb' >> /etc/modprobe.d/blacklist.conf
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict access controls and monitoring for local user accounts
- Isolate affected systems in network segments with limited trust
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check driver version with 'modinfo e1000e | grep version' or 'modinfo igb | grep version' and compare to 28.3Check Version:
modinfo e1000e | grep version; modinfo igb | grep versionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify driver version is 28.3 or higher after update and reboot📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unexpected privilege escalation events
- Suspicious driver module loading
- Failed driver initialization attempts
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections from previously low-privilege accounts
SIEM Query:
EventID=4688 OR ProcessName contains 'e1000e' OR ProcessName contains 'igb' AND PrivilegeEscalation=true