CVE-2024-24853
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows a privileged user on affected Intel processors to potentially escalate privileges via local access due to incorrect behavior order between executive monitor and SMI transfer monitor (STM). It affects systems with specific Intel processors that support these security features. The attacker must already have local privileged access to exploit this flaw.
💻 Affected Systems
- Intel processors with STM support
⚠️ 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
A privileged attacker could gain higher system privileges, potentially compromising the entire system, accessing sensitive data, or installing persistent malware.
Likely Case
A malicious insider or compromised privileged account could escalate privileges to gain deeper system access for lateral movement or data exfiltration.
If Mitigated
With proper access controls and monitoring, impact is limited to the compromised account's scope, though privilege escalation remains possible.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires deep knowledge of Intel processor security features and privileged local access. No public exploits known at this time.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Microcode updates specific to affected processor models
Vendor Advisory: https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/security-center/advisory/intel-sa-01083.html
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Check Intel SA-01083 for affected processor list. 2. Obtain microcode update from system/motherboard vendor. 3. Apply BIOS/UEFI firmware update containing microcode patch. 4. Reboot system to activate patch.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable STM feature
allDisable SMI Transfer Monitor feature in BIOS/UEFI settings if not required
Restrict privileged access
allImplement strict least-privilege access controls and monitor privileged user activities
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict access controls to limit privileged user accounts
- Monitor and audit all privileged user activities for suspicious behavior
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check processor model and microcode version against Intel's advisory. Use 'cat /proc/cpuinfo' on Linux or system information tools on Windows.Check Version:
Linux: 'cat /proc/cpuinfo | grep microcode' or 'dmesg | grep microcode'. Windows: Use PowerShell 'Get-WmiObject Win32_Processor' or check System Information.Verify Fix Applied:
Verify microcode version has been updated post-patch. Check BIOS/UEFI version contains latest microcode from vendor.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual privileged process activity
- Suspicious SMM/STM related operations
- Unexpected system mode transitions
Network Indicators:
- None - local exploitation only
SIEM Query:
Search for privileged account anomalies, unexpected privilege escalation events, or SMM-related system calls