CVE-2024-24582 Overview
CVE-2024-24582 is a high-severity improper input validation vulnerability affecting the XmlCli feature in UEFI firmware for certain Intel processors. This firmware-level flaw allows a privileged user with local access to potentially escalate privileges, posing significant risks to system integrity and security at the most fundamental level of computing infrastructure.
Critical Impact
A privileged local attacker can exploit improper input validation in the XmlCli UEFI feature to achieve privilege escalation, potentially gaining persistent, low-level control over affected systems that survives operating system reinstallation.
Affected Products
- Intel UEFI firmware with XmlCli feature enabled
- Intel processors utilizing vulnerable UEFI firmware versions
- Systems with affected Intel BIOS/UEFI implementations
Discovery Timeline
- 2025-02-12 - CVE-2024-24582 published to NVD
- 2025-11-03 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2024-24582
Vulnerability Analysis
This vulnerability stems from CWE-20 (Improper Input Validation) within the XmlCli feature of Intel's UEFI firmware implementation. The XmlCli feature is typically used for system configuration and management tasks at the firmware level. When input data passed to this feature is not properly validated, an attacker with elevated privileges and local access can craft malicious input that bypasses security controls.
The attack requires local access and high privileges, but the potential impact is severe. Successful exploitation affects confidentiality, integrity, and availability of both the vulnerable system and potentially connected systems. UEFI-level compromises are particularly dangerous because they execute before the operating system loads, making them difficult to detect and remediate through conventional security tools.
Root Cause
The root cause is improper input validation (CWE-20) in the XmlCli feature's input handling routines. The firmware fails to adequately sanitize or validate input parameters before processing, allowing specially crafted input to trigger unintended behavior. This type of vulnerability in firmware code can lead to memory corruption, control flow hijacking, or direct privilege escalation within the System Management Mode (SMM) or other privileged execution contexts.
Attack Vector
The attack vector is local, requiring physical or privileged logical access to the target system. An attacker must already possess elevated privileges on the system to interact with the XmlCli feature. The attack complexity is high, and specific preconditions must be met for successful exploitation.
The attacker would typically:
- Gain initial privileged access to the target system
- Identify and interact with the vulnerable XmlCli interface
- Craft malicious input that bypasses validation checks
- Trigger the vulnerability to escalate privileges at the firmware level
No public exploit code is currently available for this vulnerability. For technical details regarding the specific exploitation mechanism, refer to the Intel Security Advisory SA-01139.
Detection Methods for CVE-2024-24582
Indicators of Compromise
- Unusual BIOS/UEFI modification events or firmware update attempts
- Unexpected system behavior during boot sequence or POST operations
- Anomalous System Management Interrupt (SMI) activity
- Unauthorized changes to UEFI variables or firmware settings
Detection Strategies
- Monitor firmware integrity using hardware-based attestation mechanisms such as Intel Boot Guard or Trusted Platform Module (TPM)
- Implement UEFI Secure Boot and monitor for unauthorized modifications to boot chain components
- Deploy endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of monitoring firmware-level events
- Audit and log all privileged access attempts to system firmware interfaces
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable and monitor UEFI audit logging where available
- Implement regular firmware integrity verification against known-good baselines
- Monitor for privilege escalation attempts on systems with Intel processors
- Track firmware update activities and verify authenticity of all BIOS/UEFI updates
How to Mitigate CVE-2024-24582
Immediate Actions Required
- Review the Intel Security Advisory SA-01139 for affected processor families and firmware versions
- Apply vendor-supplied BIOS/UEFI firmware updates from your system or motherboard manufacturer
- Restrict local privileged access to affected systems pending patch deployment
- Enable firmware write protection mechanisms where available
Patch Information
Intel has released security guidance through Intel Security Advisory SA-01139. System administrators should obtain updated BIOS/UEFI firmware from their system OEM or motherboard manufacturer, as firmware updates are typically distributed through these channels rather than directly from Intel. Debian-based systems should also review the Debian LTS Announcement for relevant microcode or firmware package updates.
Workarounds
- Disable the XmlCli feature in UEFI settings if the option is available and not required for system operation
- Implement strict access controls to limit which users can access firmware configuration interfaces
- Enable UEFI Secure Boot and configure firmware password protection to prevent unauthorized modifications
- Apply defense-in-depth principles by restricting physical access to affected systems
Consult your system vendor documentation for specific configuration options to disable XmlCli functionality if firmware updates cannot be immediately applied.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
