CVE-2024-21843
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability in Intel Computing Improvement Program software allows authenticated local users to escalate privileges by manipulating the search path for DLL files. It affects systems running vulnerable versions of this Intel software, primarily on Windows platforms.
💻 Affected Systems
- Intel(R) Computing Improvement Program
⚠️ 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
An authenticated attacker gains SYSTEM/administrator privileges on the local machine, enabling complete system compromise, data theft, and persistence establishment.
Likely Case
Local authenticated users (including low-privilege accounts) escalate to administrator privileges to install malware, modify system configurations, or access protected data.
If Mitigated
With proper access controls and patching, the risk is limited to authorized users who would already have some level of system access.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires local authenticated access and knowledge of DLL hijacking techniques. No public exploit code has been observed.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 2.4.0.10654 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/security-center/advisory/intel-sa-01059.html
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Download Intel Computing Improvement Program version 2.4.0.10654 or later from Intel's website. 2. Run the installer. 3. Restart the system when prompted.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Remove vulnerable software
windowsUninstall Intel Computing Improvement Program if not required
Control Panel > Programs > Uninstall a program > Select 'Intel(R) Computing Improvement Program' > Uninstall
Restrict DLL search path
windowsConfigure Windows to restrict DLL search path behavior
Set registry key: HKLM\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager\SafeDllSearchMode to 1
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict access controls to limit local user accounts
- Monitor for suspicious DLL loading behavior using Windows Event Logs
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check installed version of Intel Computing Improvement Program in Control Panel > Programs and FeaturesCheck Version:
wmic product where name='Intel(R) Computing Improvement Program' get versionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify version is 2.4.0.10654 or later in Control Panel > Programs and Features📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Windows Event ID 4688 with process creation from unexpected locations
- DLL loading from user-writable directories by Intel processes
Network Indicators:
- No network indicators - local privilege escalation only
SIEM Query:
source="Windows Security" EventID=4688 AND (NewProcessName="*Intel*" OR ParentProcessName="*Intel*") AND CommandLine="*dll*"