INTEL inside could it be a Threat inside? (CVE-2024-0762)

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CVE-2024-0762 is a significant cybersecurity vulnerability identified in multiple Intel processors on the Phoenix SecureCore™ UEFI firmware. The vulnerability stems from unsafe handling of UEFI variables, which can lead to a buffer overflow. This can potentially allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code or cause a system crash, posing a serious threat to affected systems.

Intel Processor Buffer Overflow vulnerability UEFI Firmware

Technical Details

  • Nature of Vulnerability: Buffer overflow due to unsafe UEFI variable handling.

  • Affected Firmware: Phoenix SecureCore™ for various Intel platforms.
  • Severity: Rated as high severity with a CVSS score of 7.5.
  • Vector: Local attack vector requiring high privileges, no user interaction, and impacts on confidentiality, integrity, and availability.

Affected INTEL Processor Versions

 

  1. Kaby Lake:

    • Firmware Version: 4.0.1.1 up to but not including 4.0.1.998
    • Overview: Kaby Lake processors, the 7th generation of Intel Core processors, are widely used in desktops and laptops. They were introduced in 2016 and brought improvements in performance and energy efficiency over previous generations.

  2. Coffee Lake:

    • Firmware Version: 4.1.0.1 up to but not including 4.1.0.562
    • Overview: Coffee Lake is the 8th generation, introduced in 2017. It features significant improvements in multi-threading performance, making it popular for high-performance computing tasks.

  3. Ice Lake:

    • Firmware Version: 4.2.0.1 up to but not including 4.2.0.323
    • Overview: Ice Lake represents 10th generation processors, introduced in 2019. These processors are notable for their 10nm process technology and improved integrated graphics performance.

  4. Comet Lake:

    • Firmware Version: 4.2.1.1 up to but not including 4.2.1.287
    • Overview: Comet Lake processors are part of the 10th generation, focusing on higher clock speeds and enhanced performance, especially for desktop platforms.

  5. Tiger Lake:

    • Firmware Version: 4.3.0.1 up to but not including 4.3.0.236
    • Overview: Tiger Lake processors, part of 11th generation, introduced in 2020, feature the Willow Cove microarchitecture and Intel Iris Xe graphics, offering significant performance boosts in both CPU and GPU tasks.

  6. Jasper Lake:

    • Firmware Version: 4.3.1.1 up to but not including 4.3.1.184
    • Overview: Jasper Lake is designed for low-power and cost-effective solutions, targeting entry-level devices such as Chromebooks and affordable laptops.

  7. Alder Lake:

    • Firmware Version: 4.4.0.1 up to but not including 4.4.0.269
    • Overview: Alder Lake represents 12th generation processors, introducing a hybrid architecture combining high-performance cores with energy-efficient cores to enhance multitasking and power efficiency.

  8. Raptor Lake:

    • Firmware Version: 4.5.0.1 up to but not including 4.5.0.218
    • Overview: Raptor Lake is expected to follow Alder Lake, continuing the use of a hybrid architecture and bringing further enhancements in performance and efficiency.

  9. Meteor Lake:

    • Firmware Version: 4.5.1.1 up to but not including 4.5.1.15
    • Overview: Meteor Lake, anticipated to be part of the 13th generation processors, is expected to feature advanced process technology and architectural improvements, although detailed specifications are still emerging.

What is Buffer Overflow

A buffer overflow occurs when more data is written to a buffer than it can hold, leading to adjacent memory locations being overwritten. This can cause unpredictable behavior, including program crashes and security vulnerabilities that attackers can exploit.

Here’s an illustration based on the uploaded image:

How Buffer Overflow Works:

  1. Buffer Definition: A buffer is a contiguous block of memory set aside to hold data, such as a character string.
  2. Data Writing: Data is written to the buffer. If the data fits within the allocated space, it functions as intended.
  3. Overflow Scenario: When data exceeds the buffer’s allocated size, it spills over into adjacent memory.
  4. Consequences: This overflow can overwrite critical data, including return addresses, pointers, and other control information. This may lead to:
    • Program Crashes: Overwriting essential data can disrupt normal program execution.
    • Security Exploits: Attackers can manipulate buffer overflows to execute malicious code. By carefully crafting the overflow data, they can control the overwritten memory areas to redirect execution flow.

Mitigation and Updates

Phoenix Technologies has released firmware updates to address this vulnerability. These mitigations were made available in April 2024. Users are strongly advised to:

  1. Update Firmware: Ensure their firmware is updated to the latest version provided by Phoenix Technologies or their hardware vendors.
  2. Contact Hardware Vendors: For device-specific guidance and support in applying the necessary updates.

Impact and Recommendations

  • Potential Impact: If exploited, this vulnerability could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code, potentially leading to system control and data breaches.
  • Recommendations: Immediate firmware updates are essential. Users should regularly check for security updates and apply them promptly. It is also crucial to follow best practices for system security, such as limiting physical access to sensitive systems and ensuring robust security configurations.
 

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