CVE-2024-21844
📋 TL;DR
An integer overflow vulnerability in Intel Converged Security and Management Engine (CSME) firmware allows unauthenticated attackers on the same network segment to potentially cause denial of service. This affects systems with vulnerable Intel CSME firmware versions, primarily impacting enterprise and data center environments where CSME is enabled.
💻 Affected Systems
- Intel Converged Security and Management Engine (CSME)
⚠️ 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
Complete system instability requiring physical reboot, potentially disrupting critical operations in affected systems.
Likely Case
Temporary service disruption or system instability requiring reboot, affecting availability of impacted devices.
If Mitigated
Minimal impact with proper network segmentation and access controls limiting adjacent network access.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires adjacent network access and knowledge of vulnerable systems. No public exploit code available as of analysis.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Firmware updates specified in Intel SA-00999 advisory
Vendor Advisory: https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/security-center/advisory/intel-sa-00999.html
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Check Intel SA-00999 advisory for affected platforms. 2. Download firmware updates from Intel or OEM vendor. 3. Apply firmware update following manufacturer instructions. 4. Reboot system to activate new firmware.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Network Segmentation
allIsolate systems with vulnerable CSME firmware to separate network segments to limit adjacent access.
Disable CSME if not required
allDisable Intel CSME functionality if not needed for system operations (may impact security features).
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict network access controls to limit adjacent network access to vulnerable systems
- Monitor for unusual system instability or reboot events on affected devices
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check CSME firmware version against Intel SA-00999 advisory. On Linux: 'sudo dmidecode -t 11'. On Windows: Check BIOS/UEFI firmware version in System Information.Check Version:
Linux: 'sudo dmidecode -t 11 | grep -i version' or 'sudo intel_me_status'. Windows: 'wmic bios get smbiosbiosversion' or check in Device Manager under Firmware.Verify Fix Applied:
Verify CSME firmware version has been updated to patched version listed in Intel advisory.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unexpected system reboots
- CSME/ME firmware crash logs
- System instability events
Network Indicators:
- Unusual network traffic to CSME management interfaces from adjacent systems
SIEM Query:
EventID=6008 OR EventID=41 OR (source="System" AND "unexpected shutdown") OR (source contains "ME" OR "CSME")