CVE-2024-21810: Intel Ethernet Driver Privilege Escalation

CVE-2024-21810 Overview

CVE-2024-21810 is an improper input validation vulnerability affecting the Linux kernel mode driver for Intel Ethernet Network Controllers and Adapters. This vulnerability exists in driver versions prior to 28.3 and allows an authenticated local user to potentially escalate privileges on the affected system. The flaw stems from insufficient validation of user-supplied input within the driver, which can be exploited to gain elevated access beyond the attacker's original permission level.

Critical Impact

An authenticated local attacker can exploit this improper input validation vulnerability to achieve privilege escalation, potentially gaining full system control with high impact to confidentiality, integrity, and availability.

Affected Products

• Intel Ethernet Network Controllers (various models) with Linux kernel mode driver before version 28.3
• Intel Ethernet Network Adapters (various models) with Linux kernel mode driver before version 28.3

Discovery Timeline

• August 14, 2024 - CVE-2024-21810 published to NVD
• August 14, 2024 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2024-21810

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability is classified as CWE-20 (Improper Input Validation), a common weakness where software does not properly validate input that could affect the control flow or data flow of a program. In the context of the Intel Ethernet Network Controller Linux kernel driver, this flaw allows attackers with local system access and valid authentication credentials to supply malicious input that bypasses security controls.

The kernel mode driver operates with elevated privileges to manage network hardware. When input validation is insufficient, an authenticated user can craft specific input that the driver processes without adequate sanitization, leading to unintended behavior that can be leveraged for privilege escalation. The local attack vector requires the attacker to have existing access to the system, but once exploited, the impact extends across the security scope with high consequences for the entire system.

Root Cause

The root cause of CVE-2024-21810 lies in inadequate input validation routines within the Intel Ethernet Network Controller Linux kernel mode driver. The driver fails to properly sanitize or validate certain input parameters before processing them in a privileged context. This oversight allows carefully crafted malicious input to influence driver behavior in ways that bypass normal security boundaries.

Attack Vector

The attack vector for this vulnerability requires local access to the target system. An authenticated user must have legitimate credentials to interact with the vulnerable driver. The attacker then provides specially crafted input to the driver through available interfaces. Due to the improper input validation, the malicious input is processed without adequate checks, allowing the attacker to manipulate driver operations and escalate their privileges from a standard user to a higher privilege level, potentially gaining root or system-level access.

The exploitation does not require user interaction and has low attack complexity once local access is established. For detailed technical information, refer to the Intel Security Advisory SA-00918.

Detection Methods for CVE-2024-21810

Indicators of Compromise

• Unusual system calls or input patterns targeting Intel Ethernet driver interfaces
• Unexpected privilege escalation events from standard user accounts
• Anomalous kernel module behavior or driver interactions
• Suspicious authentication activity followed by elevated access attempts

Detection Strategies

• Monitor kernel logs for unusual driver errors or exceptions related to Intel Ethernet Network Controllers
• Implement system call monitoring to detect abnormal input patterns to network driver interfaces
• Deploy endpoint detection solutions capable of identifying privilege escalation attempts
• Audit user activity for suspicious sequences of local authentication followed by driver interactions

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable comprehensive kernel logging for driver-related events
• Configure SIEM rules to alert on privilege escalation indicators following driver interactions
• Implement file integrity monitoring for Intel Ethernet driver components
• Establish baseline behavior for driver interactions and alert on deviations

How to Mitigate CVE-2024-21810

Immediate Actions Required

• Update the Intel Ethernet Network Controller Linux kernel mode driver to version 28.3 or later
• Review and audit user accounts with local system access to minimize exposure
• Implement the principle of least privilege for all user accounts
• Monitor systems for exploitation attempts until patching is complete

Patch Information

Intel has addressed this vulnerability in the Linux kernel mode driver version 28.3 and later. Organizations should immediately update their Intel Ethernet Network Controller and Adapter drivers to the patched version. For complete patch details and download links, consult the Intel Security Advisory SA-00918.

Workarounds

• Restrict local access to systems with vulnerable Intel Ethernet drivers to only essential personnel
• Implement additional access controls and monitoring for systems that cannot be immediately patched
• Consider temporarily disabling or restricting driver functionality if operationally feasible
• Apply network segmentation to limit lateral movement potential if systems are compromised

# Verify current Intel Ethernet driver version
ethtool -i eth0 | grep -i version

# Check for available driver updates
apt list --upgradable | grep -i intel
# or for Red Hat-based systems
yum check-update | grep -i intel