CVE-2024-42492
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows a privileged user with local access to potentially escalate privileges by exploiting an uncontrolled search path element in BIOS/firmware update packages. It affects Intel Server M50FCP family systems running BIOS/firmware versions before R01.02.0002. Attackers could gain higher system privileges than intended.
💻 Affected Systems
- Intel Server M50FCP family
⚠️ 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
A privileged attacker could achieve persistent firmware-level compromise, potentially installing undetectable malware, bypassing security controls, and gaining complete system control.
Likely Case
A malicious insider or compromised admin account could escalate privileges to gain unauthorized access to sensitive data or install backdoors.
If Mitigated
With proper access controls and monitoring, impact is limited to authorized administrators who already have significant system access.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires local privileged access and knowledge of the specific search path manipulation technique.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: R01.02.0002 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://intel.com/content/www/us/en/security-center/advisory/intel-sa-01237.html
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Download BIOS update package R01.02.0002 or later from Intel support site. 2. Follow Intel's firmware update procedures for Server M50FCP family. 3. Reboot server after update completes.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict physical and remote management access
allLimit who can physically access servers and use remote management interfaces
Implement strict privilege management
allApply principle of least privilege to server administration accounts
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Isolate affected servers in secure network segments with strict access controls
- Implement enhanced monitoring of privileged user activities and firmware modification attempts
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check BIOS/firmware version in server management interface or using manufacturer-specific toolsCheck Version:
Varies by management interface - typically available in BMC/iDRAC/iLO web interface or manufacturer-specific CLI toolsVerify Fix Applied:
Confirm BIOS/firmware version is R01.02.0002 or later in server management interface📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unauthorized firmware update attempts
- Privilege escalation attempts in system logs
- Unexpected BIOS/firmware modification events
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections from server management interfaces
- Anomalous traffic to/from BMC/iDRAC/iLO interfaces
SIEM Query:
source="server_logs" AND (event_type="firmware_update" OR event_type="privilege_escalation") AND result="failure"