CVE-2024-31407
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows an authenticated user with local access to potentially escalate privileges through an uncontrolled search path in Intel High Level Synthesis Compiler software. It affects users of Intel Quartus Prime Pro Edition Software before version 24.1. The issue stems from improper path handling that could allow malicious DLLs to be loaded.
💻 Affected Systems
- Intel High Level Synthesis Compiler
- Intel Quartus Prime Pro Edition Software
⚠️ 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
An authenticated attacker could gain SYSTEM/root privileges on the affected system, potentially compromising the entire system and accessing sensitive design files or intellectual property.
Likely Case
An authenticated user could elevate their privileges to administrator/root level, allowing them to install additional malware, modify system configurations, or access other users' data.
If Mitigated
With proper access controls and least privilege principles, the impact is limited to the user's own environment and cannot affect other users or system components.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires authenticated local access and knowledge of the software's search path behavior. No public exploit code has been reported.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 24.1 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/security-center/advisory/intel-sa-01148.html
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Download Intel Quartus Prime Pro Edition version 24.1 or later from Intel's website. 2. Uninstall the previous vulnerable version. 3. Install the updated version. 4. Restart the system to ensure all components are properly loaded.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict DLL Search Path
allConfigure system to restrict DLL search paths and prevent loading from untrusted directories
On Windows: Use Group Policy to restrict DLL search paths
On Linux: Set LD_LIBRARY_PATH carefully and use secure loading
Least Privilege Access
allRun Intel Quartus software with minimal necessary privileges
On Windows: Run as standard user, not administrator
On Linux: Use non-root user account
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Restrict local access to systems running vulnerable software to only trusted, necessary users
- Implement strict file system permissions to prevent unauthorized DLL placement in search paths
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Intel Quartus Prime Pro Edition version. If version is below 24.1 and High Level Synthesis Compiler is installed, the system is vulnerable.Check Version:
On Windows: quartus --version or check in Help > About. On Linux: quartus --versionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify that Intel Quartus Prime Pro Edition version is 24.1 or higher and check that no older vulnerable components remain installed.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unexpected DLL loading from unusual paths
- Privilege escalation attempts in system logs
- Intel Quartus processes running with elevated privileges unexpectedly
Network Indicators:
- No specific network indicators as this is a local privilege escalation
SIEM Query:
Process creation where parent process contains 'quartus' and child process has elevated privileges or unusual DLL loading patterns