CVE-2024-39279
📋 TL;DR
This UEFI firmware vulnerability in certain Intel processors allows authenticated local users to potentially cause denial of service by exploiting insufficient access control. It affects systems with specific Intel processors that have vulnerable UEFI firmware implementations. The attack requires local access and authentication.
💻 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
System becomes completely unresponsive or unbootable, requiring physical intervention or hardware replacement to restore functionality.
Likely Case
Temporary system instability or crashes requiring reboot, potentially disrupting operations on affected systems.
If Mitigated
Minimal impact with proper access controls and monitoring in place, though risk remains for authenticated users.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires authenticated local access and knowledge of UEFI firmware exploitation techniques. No public exploit code known at this time.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: UEFI firmware updates provided by system/device manufacturers
Vendor Advisory: https://intel.com/content/www/us/en/security-center/advisory/intel-sa-01139.html
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Check Intel advisory for affected processors. 2. Contact your system/device manufacturer for UEFI firmware updates. 3. Apply UEFI firmware update following manufacturer instructions. 4. Reboot system to complete update.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict physical and local access
allLimit physical access to systems and implement strict local authentication controls
Implement UEFI Secure Boot
allEnable UEFI Secure Boot to add additional firmware protection layers
Configure in UEFI/BIOS settings during boot
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict access controls to limit who can log in locally to affected systems
- Monitor systems for unexpected reboots or instability that could indicate exploitation attempts
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check processor model and UEFI firmware version against Intel advisory. Use 'dmidecode -t bios' on Linux or system information tools on Windows.Check Version:
Linux: 'dmidecode -t bios | grep Version' or 'cat /sys/class/dmi/id/bios_version'. Windows: 'wmic bios get smbiosbiosversion'Verify Fix Applied:
Verify UEFI firmware version has been updated to manufacturer's patched version. Check version in UEFI/BIOS settings or using system information tools.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unexpected system reboots
- Kernel panic logs
- UEFI/BIOS access logs showing unusual activity
Network Indicators:
- None - local access only vulnerability
SIEM Query:
Search for: (EventID=6008 OR 'unexpected shutdown' OR 'kernel panic') AND (source='affected_system')