CVE-2024-21823
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a hardware logic vulnerability in Intel Data Streaming Accelerator (DSA) and Intel In-Memory Analytics Accelerator (IAA) for specific 4th/5th generation Xeon processors. An authorized local user could exploit insecure de-synchronization to potentially escalate privileges. Only systems with these specific Intel processors and DSA/IAA enabled are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- Intel Xeon processors with DSA/IAA accelerators
⚠️ 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
Authorized local user gains root/system-level privileges, potentially compromising the entire system and accessing sensitive data.
Likely Case
Authorized user escalates privileges within their access level, potentially accessing restricted resources or performing unauthorized actions.
If Mitigated
With proper access controls and monitoring, impact is limited to authorized user's scope; privilege escalation attempts are detected.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires authorized local access and knowledge of hardware acceleration features.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Microcode updates from Intel
Vendor Advisory: https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/security-center/advisory/intel-sa-01084.html
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Check Intel advisory for specific microcode updates. 2. Update system BIOS/UEFI firmware. 3. Apply operating system updates if available. 4. Reboot system to activate microcode update.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable DSA/IAA accelerators
allDisable the vulnerable hardware accelerators if not required for system functionality
Check BIOS/UEFI settings for DSA/IAA options
Disable via system configuration tools
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Restrict local user access to systems with affected processors
- Implement strict privilege separation and monitoring for authorized users
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check processor generation and DSA/IAA status via 'lscpu' or system information tools; verify against Intel advisoryCheck Version:
cat /proc/cpuinfo | grep 'microcode' or dmidecode for BIOS versionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify microcode version matches patched version from Intel advisory; check BIOS/UEFI firmware version📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual privilege escalation attempts
- Access to DSA/IAA hardware interfaces
Network Indicators:
- None - local exploit only
SIEM Query:
Search for privilege escalation events on systems with affected Intel processors🔗 References
- http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2024/05/15/1
- https://lists.fedoraproject.org/archives/list/package-announce@lists.fedoraproject.org/message/DW2MIOIMOFUSNLHLRYX23AFR36BMKD65/
- https://lists.fedoraproject.org/archives/list/package-announce@lists.fedoraproject.org/message/OTB4HWU2PTVW5NEYHHLOCXDKG3PYA534/
- https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/security-center/advisory/intel-sa-01084.html
- http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2024/05/15/1
- https://lists.fedoraproject.org/archives/list/package-announce@lists.fedoraproject.org/message/DW2MIOIMOFUSNLHLRYX23AFR36BMKD65/
- https://lists.fedoraproject.org/archives/list/package-announce@lists.fedoraproject.org/message/OTB4HWU2PTVW5NEYHHLOCXDKG3PYA534/
- https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/security-center/advisory/intel-sa-01084.html
