CVE-2024-24986
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows authenticated local users to escalate privileges on systems with affected Intel Ethernet Network Controllers and Adapters. The improper access control in the Linux kernel mode driver enables attackers to gain elevated system privileges. Systems running Linux with vulnerable Intel Ethernet drivers are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- Intel Ethernet Network Controllers
- Intel Ethernet Adapters
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Full system compromise with root privileges, allowing complete control over the affected system, data theft, and lateral movement within the network.
Likely Case
Local privilege escalation where authenticated users gain root access, enabling installation of persistent malware, credential harvesting, and bypassing security controls.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if proper access controls restrict local user accounts and network segmentation isolates vulnerable systems.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires local authenticated access. The vulnerability is in access control mechanisms, making exploitation relatively straightforward once local access is obtained.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch 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. Download Intel Ethernet driver version 28.3 or later from Intel's website. 2. Stop network services. 3. Install the updated driver package. 4. Reboot the system. 5. Verify the driver version is 28.3 or higher.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict Local User Access
linuxLimit local user accounts and implement strict access controls to reduce attack surface
Network Segmentation
allIsolate systems with vulnerable drivers to prevent lateral movement if exploited
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict access controls to limit local user accounts and privileges
- Monitor for privilege escalation attempts and unusual root-level activity
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Intel Ethernet driver version: modinfo e1000e | grep version or modinfo igb | grep versionCheck Version:
modinfo e1000e | grep version or modinfo igb | grep versionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify driver version is 28.3 or higher: modinfo e1000e | grep version or modinfo igb | grep version📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unexpected privilege escalation events
- Failed sudo/root access attempts from non-admin users
- Driver loading/unloading anomalies
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections from previously low-privilege accounts
- Lateral movement attempts from affected systems
SIEM Query:
source="linux_audit" AND (event_type="SYSCALL" AND syscall="execve" AND euid=0 AND uid!=0) OR (event_type="USER_AUTH" AND result="failed" AND user!="root")