CVE-2024-36432
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes an arbitrary memory write vulnerability in Supermicro X11 series motherboards with vulnerable BIOS firmware. Attackers with physical or administrative access could exploit this to write arbitrary data to system memory, potentially compromising system integrity. Affected users include those running Supermicro X11DPG-HGX2, X11PDG-QT, X11PDG-OT, and X11PDG-SN motherboards with BIOS firmware before version 4.4.
💻 Affected Systems
- Supermicro X11DPG-HGX2
- Supermicro X11PDG-QT
- Supermicro X11PDG-OT
- Supermicro X11PDG-SN
⚠️ 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 including persistent malware installation, BIOS-level backdoors, or bricking of the motherboard hardware.
Likely Case
Local privilege escalation, bypassing security controls, or installing persistent firmware-level malware.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if physical access controls and administrative privilege restrictions are properly enforced.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires physical access or administrative privileges on the system. The vulnerability involves BIOS-level memory manipulation which requires specialized knowledge.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: BIOS firmware version 4.4 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://www.supermicro.com/en/support/security_center
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Download BIOS update from Supermicro support site. 2. Create bootable USB with BIOS update. 3. Boot to BIOS update utility. 4. Flash BIOS to version 4.4 or later. 5. Reboot system and verify BIOS version.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict Physical Access
allImplement strict physical security controls to prevent unauthorized access to affected systems.
Limit Administrative Privileges
allRestrict BIOS/UEFI configuration access to authorized personnel only.
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Isolate affected systems in secure physical locations with strict access controls
- Implement network segmentation to limit potential lateral movement from compromised systems
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check BIOS version in system BIOS/UEFI setup or using manufacturer-specific tools like Supermicro IPMI or SMCIPMITool.Check Version:
For Linux: dmidecode -t bios | grep Version; For Windows: wmic bios get smbiosbiosversion; For IPMI: ipmitool mc infoVerify Fix Applied:
Verify BIOS version shows 4.4 or later in system BIOS/UEFI setup after update.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- BIOS/UEFI update logs
- System firmware modification events
- Unauthorized physical access logs
Network Indicators:
- Unusual BIOS/UEFI configuration traffic
- IPMI/management interface anomalies
SIEM Query:
source="bios_logs" AND (event="firmware_update" OR event="configuration_change")