CVE-2024-52880
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability in InsydeH2O UEFI firmware allows attackers to bypass input validation in the VariableRuntimeDxe driver's SecureBootHandler. Attackers can supply untrusted DataSize and VariableNameSize values to potentially execute arbitrary code or manipulate UEFI variables. Systems with vulnerable InsydeH2O firmware versions are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- Devices with InsydeH2O UEFI firmware
📦 What is this software?
Kernel by Insyde
Kernel by Insyde
Kernel by Insyde
Kernel by Insyde
Kernel by Insyde
Kernel by Insyde
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete system compromise via UEFI-level code execution, allowing persistent malware installation that survives OS reinstallation and disk formatting.
Likely Case
Secure Boot bypass leading to unauthorized code execution during boot process, potentially allowing kernel-level access.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if Secure Boot is properly configured and firmware integrity is maintained through hardware protections.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires local access or physical device access. Exploitation involves manipulating UEFI variables with crafted size parameters.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Kernel 5.2: 05.29.50+, 5.3: 05.38.50+, 5.4: 05.46.50+, 5.5: 05.54.50+, 5.6: 05.61.50+, 5.7: 05.70.50+
Vendor Advisory: https://www.insyde.com/security-pledge/sa-2024016/
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Contact device manufacturer for firmware update. 2. Download appropriate firmware update. 3. Follow manufacturer's firmware update procedure. 4. Reboot system to apply update.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Enable Secure Boot with strict policies
allConfigure Secure Boot to only allow signed bootloaders and drivers
Physical security controls
allRestrict physical access to devices to prevent local exploitation
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict physical security controls and device access monitoring
- Deploy endpoint detection that monitors for UEFI variable manipulation attempts
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check firmware version in UEFI/BIOS settings or using manufacturer-specific tools. Compare against affected versions.Check Version:
Manufacturer-specific commands vary. Common methods: dmidecode -t bios (Linux), wmic bios get smbiosbiosversion (Windows), or check UEFI settings.Verify Fix Applied:
Verify firmware version has been updated to patched version in UEFI/BIOS settings.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- UEFI/BIOS update logs
- Secure Boot policy violation logs
- Unexpected firmware access attempts
Network Indicators:
- Unusual firmware update traffic from unauthorized sources
SIEM Query:
Search for firmware update events outside maintenance windows or from unauthorized users