CVE-2024-22185
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a Time-of-check Time-of-use (TOCTOU) race condition vulnerability in certain Intel processors with Intel ACTM technology. It allows a privileged user (typically local administrator/root) to potentially escalate privileges through local access. This affects systems using vulnerable Intel processors.
💻 Affected Systems
- Intel processors with Intel ACTM technology
⚠️ 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 compromise where a local attacker gains kernel-level privileges, bypassing all security controls and accessing all system resources.
Likely Case
Privileged local user escalates to higher privileges, potentially accessing sensitive data or installing persistent malware.
If Mitigated
Attack fails due to proper access controls, privilege separation, or security monitoring detecting anomalous behavior.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires precise timing and local privileged access. Race conditions are difficult to exploit reliably.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Microcode updates from Intel; check with system/OS vendor for specific versions
Vendor Advisory: https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/security-center/advisory/intel-sa-01111.html
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Check Intel advisory for affected processor models. 2. Obtain microcode update from system/OS vendor. 3. Apply microcode update through BIOS/UEFI update or OS mechanism. 4. Reboot system to activate microcode update.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict local privileged access
allLimit number of users with local administrative/root privileges to reduce attack surface
Implement strict access controls
allEnforce principle of least privilege and monitor for privilege escalation attempts
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Isolate affected systems from critical networks and sensitive data
- Implement enhanced monitoring for privilege escalation attempts and anomalous local activity
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Intel processor model and compare with affected list in Intel advisory. On Linux: cat /proc/cpuinfo | grep 'model name'. On Windows: wmic cpu get nameCheck Version:
Linux: cat /proc/cpuinfo | grep 'microcode' ; Windows: wmic bios get smbiosbiosversionVerify Fix Applied:
Check microcode version after update. On Linux: dmesg | grep microcode. On Windows: Check BIOS/UEFI version and microcode update status in system information📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual privilege escalation events
- Multiple rapid system calls from single process
- Kernel module loading by non-standard processes
Network Indicators:
- None - local-only vulnerability
SIEM Query:
Process creation events where parent process rapidly escalates privileges OR multiple kernel object access attempts within short time window