CVE-2024-38796
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability in EDK2's PeCoffLoaderRelocateImage() function allows memory corruption via a heap-based buffer overflow when processing specially crafted PE/COFF images. Attackers exploiting this could potentially execute arbitrary code, compromise system integrity, or cause denial of service. Systems using vulnerable EDK2 firmware implementations are affected, particularly those with network-accessible boot services.
💻 Affected Systems
- EDK2 (UEFI Development Kit)
- Systems using EDK2-based firmware
- Various UEFI implementations
⚠️ 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
Remote code execution leading to complete system compromise, persistent firmware-level malware installation, or bricking of affected devices.
Likely Case
System crashes, denial of service, or limited memory corruption affecting boot stability without full code execution.
If Mitigated
Contained impact with proper network segmentation and exploit mitigations, potentially limited to denial of service.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires network access to boot services and ability to trigger PE/COFF image loading. No public exploits confirmed as of knowledge cutoff.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: EDK2 commit 6f4b6c6 and later
Vendor Advisory: https://github.com/tianocore/edk2/security/advisories/GHSA-xpcr-7hjq-m6qm
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Update EDK2 source to commit 6f4b6c6 or later. 2. Rebuild firmware with patched EDK2. 3. Flash updated firmware to affected systems. 4. Consult hardware vendor for firmware updates if using vendor-specific implementations.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable Network Boot
allPrevent exploitation by disabling PXE/network boot services
UEFI/BIOS settings: Disable 'Network Boot', 'PXE Boot', 'Boot from LAN'
Secure Boot Enforcement
allEnable Secure Boot to prevent loading of unsigned/unauthorized PE/COFF images
UEFI settings: Enable 'Secure Boot', enroll trusted keys
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Segment network to isolate systems with vulnerable firmware from untrusted networks
- Implement strict network access controls to boot-related services and protocols
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check EDK2 version/git commit in firmware or consult hardware vendor advisoryCheck Version:
dmidecode -t bios (Linux) or systeminfo (Windows) to check firmware version, then cross-reference with vendor advisoriesVerify Fix Applied:
Verify firmware version includes EDK2 commit 6f4b6c6 or later📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unexpected system reboots during boot process
- Firmware/BIOS error logs related to image loading
- Failed boot attempts with memory-related errors
Network Indicators:
- Unusual network traffic to boot services (PXE, TFTP) from unexpected sources
- Multiple failed network boot attempts
SIEM Query:
source="bios_logs" AND ("PE/COFF" OR "image load" OR "relocation") AND error