CVE-2024-25079
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a memory corruption vulnerability in the HddPassword component of Insyde InsydeH2O UEFI firmware kernels. Successful exploitation could allow an attacker to escalate privileges within System Management Mode (SMM), potentially gaining control over the system firmware. Affected systems include devices running vulnerable versions of InsydeH2O firmware kernels 5.2 through 5.6.
💻 Affected Systems
- Devices with Insyde InsydeH2O UEFI firmware
📦 What is this software?
Insydeh2o by Insyde
Insydeh2o by Insyde
Insydeh2o by Insyde
Insydeh2o by Insyde
Insydeh2o by Insyde
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
An attacker gains persistent control over the system firmware, enabling installation of undetectable malware, bypassing security controls, and maintaining persistence across OS reinstalls.
Likely Case
Local attacker with physical or administrative access escalates privileges to SMM level, potentially compromising the entire system and bypassing OS-level security.
If Mitigated
With proper firmware updates and secure boot enabled, the vulnerability is patched, preventing exploitation and maintaining system integrity.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires local access and knowledge of SMM programming. No public exploits have been disclosed as of the advisory.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Kernel 5.2: 05.29.09+, Kernel 5.3: 05.38.09+, Kernel 5.4: 05.46.09+, Kernel 5.5: 05.54.09+, Kernel 5.6: 05.61.09+
Vendor Advisory: https://www.insyde.com/security-pledge/SA-2024001
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Contact device manufacturer for firmware update. 2. Download appropriate firmware update. 3. Backup system data. 4. Apply firmware update following manufacturer instructions. 5. Reboot system to complete installation.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable HddPassword feature
allIf not needed, disable HddPassword functionality in firmware settings to remove vulnerable component.
Enable Secure Boot
allEnable Secure Boot in UEFI settings to help prevent unauthorized firmware modifications.
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Restrict physical access to vulnerable systems
- Implement strict access controls and monitor for suspicious firmware modification attempts
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check firmware version in UEFI/BIOS settings or using manufacturer-specific tools. Compare against affected versions.Check Version:
Manufacturer-specific commands vary. On Windows: wmic bios get smbiosbiosversion. On Linux: dmidecode -t biosVerify Fix Applied:
Verify firmware version has been updated to patched version in UEFI/BIOS settings.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unexpected firmware update attempts
- SMM-related errors in system logs
- Failed firmware validation during boot
Network Indicators:
- None - local exploitation only
SIEM Query:
Search for firmware modification events or SMM access attempts in system logs