CVE-2024-23981
📋 TL;DR
A wrap-around error (integer overflow) in Intel Ethernet Network Controller drivers for Linux allows authenticated local users to escalate privileges. This affects systems using specific Intel Ethernet hardware with vulnerable driver versions. Attackers could gain root access on affected systems.
💻 Affected Systems
- Intel Ethernet Network Controllers and Adapters
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Local authenticated attacker gains full root privileges, compromising the entire system and potentially pivoting to other systems.
Likely Case
Privileged user or compromised account escalates to root to install malware, steal data, or maintain persistence.
If Mitigated
With proper access controls and monitoring, exploitation would be detected and contained before significant damage.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires local authenticated access and knowledge of driver interaction. No public exploit code known at this time.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 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. 2. Update Intel Ethernet driver to version 28.3 or later. 3. Reboot system to load new driver.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict local user access
linuxLimit local user accounts and implement strict access controls to reduce attack surface.
Disable vulnerable hardware
linuxIf possible, disable affected Intel Ethernet adapters and use alternative network interfaces.
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict access controls and monitor for privilege escalation attempts
- Segment affected systems and limit lateral movement capabilities
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Intel Ethernet driver version: modinfo e1000e or modinfo igb (depending on specific adapter)Check Version:
modinfo e1000e | grep version OR modinfo igb | grep versionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify driver version is 28.3 or later after update and reboot📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unexpected privilege escalation events
- Suspicious driver module loading
- Failed authentication attempts followed by successful privilege changes
Network Indicators:
- None - local exploit only
SIEM Query:
Search for events where user privilege level changes unexpectedly or driver-related system calls from non-privileged users