CVE-2024-34164
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability in Intel MAS software allows authenticated local users to escalate privileges by manipulating the search path. It affects systems running vulnerable versions of Intel MAS software with authenticated local access.
💻 Affected Systems
- Intel(R) MAS (Memory Analysis 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 gains full system administrator/root privileges, enabling complete system compromise, data theft, and persistence.
Likely Case
Authenticated users with limited privileges gain elevated system access, potentially installing malware, accessing sensitive data, or modifying system configurations.
If Mitigated
With proper access controls and monitoring, impact is limited to isolated systems with minimal data exposure.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires authenticated local access and ability to manipulate search path elements. No public exploit code identified at this time.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Version 2.5 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/security-center/advisory/intel-sa-01161.html
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Download Intel MAS version 2.5 or later from Intel's official website. 2. Run the installer with administrative privileges. 3. Follow installation prompts. 4. Restart the system to complete the update.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict local user permissions
allLimit authenticated users' ability to write to directories in the search path
Remove vulnerable software
allUninstall Intel MAS if not required for operations
sudo apt remove intel-mas
winget uninstall Intel.MAS
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Restrict local user access to systems with vulnerable Intel MAS installed
- Implement strict file system permissions and monitor for unauthorized privilege escalation attempts
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Intel MAS version: On Windows, check Programs and Features. On Linux, check package manager or run 'intel-mas --version' if available.Check Version:
On Windows: Check in Control Panel > Programs and Features. On Linux: dpkg -l | grep intel-mas or rpm -qa | grep intel-masVerify Fix Applied:
Confirm Intel MAS version is 2.5 or higher using version check command.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unexpected privilege escalation events
- Intel MAS process spawning with elevated privileges
- File writes to Intel MAS directories by non-admin users
Network Indicators:
- Not network exploitable - focus on local system monitoring
SIEM Query:
EventID=4688 AND ProcessName LIKE '%intel-mas%' AND NewProcessName LIKE '%cmd%' OR '%powershell%' OR '%bash%'