CVE-2024-31155
📋 TL;DR
This UEFI firmware vulnerability in certain Intel processors allows privileged users to bypass buffer restrictions, potentially enabling local privilege escalation. It affects systems with specific Intel processors running vulnerable UEFI firmware versions. Attackers need local access and elevated privileges to exploit this flaw.
💻 Affected Systems
- Intel processors with vulnerable UEFI firmware
⚠️ 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 with attacker gaining kernel-level or firmware-level privileges, potentially installing persistent malware in firmware that survives OS reinstallation.
Likely Case
Privileged attacker escalates from administrator/root to higher system privileges, potentially accessing sensitive data or installing backdoors.
If Mitigated
Limited impact due to existing privilege separation and security controls, though firmware persistence remains a concern.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires local access with administrative/root privileges. Exploitation involves UEFI firmware manipulation which requires specialized knowledge.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Updated UEFI firmware versions provided by system/device manufacturers
Vendor Advisory: https://intel.com/content/www/us/en/security-center/advisory/intel-sa-01198.html
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Check Intel advisory for affected processor models. 2. Contact your system/device manufacturer for updated UEFI firmware. 3. Apply UEFI firmware update following manufacturer instructions. 4. Reboot system to activate new firmware.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict local administrative access
allLimit number of users with local administrative privileges to reduce attack surface
Enable Secure Boot
allEnsure Secure Boot is enabled to prevent unauthorized firmware/OS modifications
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict access controls and privilege separation
- Monitor for suspicious firmware modification attempts and privilege escalation activities
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check system BIOS/UEFI version against manufacturer's patched versions. Use manufacturer-specific tools or commands like 'dmidecode' on Linux or 'wmic bios get smbiosbiosversion' on Windows.Check Version:
Linux: dmidecode -t bios | grep Version; Windows: wmic bios get smbiosbiosversionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify UEFI firmware version matches patched version from manufacturer after update. Check that Secure Boot is enabled and functioning.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- UEFI/BIOS update logs
- Failed firmware modification attempts
- Unexpected privilege escalation events
Network Indicators:
- Not applicable - local exploit only
SIEM Query:
Search for: 'UEFI update', 'BIOS modification', 'privilege escalation from admin/root', 'firmware access attempts'