CVE-2024-41967 Overview
CVE-2024-41967 is a missing authentication vulnerability [CWE-306] that allows a low-privileged remote attacker to modify the boot mode configuration of an affected device. Successful exploitation enables attackers to alter the firmware upgrade process or trigger a denial-of-service condition against the device. The flaw is network-exploitable with low attack complexity and requires only low-level privileges, making it accessible to any authenticated user on the network. VDE CERT tracks this issue under advisory VDE-2024-047.
Critical Impact
A low-privileged remote attacker can tamper with boot mode configuration, disrupting firmware upgrades or forcing the device offline through denial of service.
Affected Products
- Devices covered by VDE Security Advisory VDE-2024-047
- Specific vendor and product identifiers were not published in the NVD entry
- Refer to the VDE CERT advisory for the authoritative affected product list
Discovery Timeline
- 2024-11-18 - CVE-2024-41967 published to NVD
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2024-41967
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability stems from missing authentication on a security-critical function that controls device boot mode configuration. An authenticated user with only low privileges can invoke the interface responsible for changing how the device boots and how firmware updates are applied. Because the function does not enforce an adequate authorization check, attackers gain influence over a step that should be restricted to administrators. Modifying the boot mode can redirect the firmware upgrade process to attacker-supplied images or leave the device in a state that prevents normal operation.
Root Cause
The root cause is classified as Missing Authentication for a Critical Function [CWE-306]. The device exposes boot mode configuration over the network without verifying that the requesting principal holds the privilege level required for firmware-lifecycle operations. Authentication and authorization for administrative actions are not separated from those required for general access.
Attack Vector
Exploitation requires network access and any valid low-privileged account on the target device. The attacker sends configuration requests to the exposed management interface to alter the boot mode. Depending on the value written, the outcome is either manipulation of a subsequent firmware upgrade or a denial-of-service condition affecting device availability. No user interaction is required and the attack complexity is low.
No verified public proof-of-concept code is available. For technical specifics, consult the VDE Security Advisory VDE-2024-047.
Detection Methods for CVE-2024-41967
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected changes to device boot mode or firmware upgrade settings recorded in device audit logs.
- Firmware upgrade attempts initiated from accounts that do not normally perform maintenance operations.
- Devices booting from a non-standard image or failing to complete the boot process after a configuration change.
Detection Strategies
- Monitor management-plane traffic to affected devices for configuration write operations targeting boot mode parameters.
- Correlate low-privileged account activity with administrative endpoints that should require elevated roles.
- Alert on repeated denial-of-service symptoms such as boot failures or reboot loops following configuration writes.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Forward device configuration change events and authentication logs into a centralized SIEM for correlation.
- Baseline normal firmware upgrade workflows and flag deviations, including out-of-window upgrades.
- Track availability metrics for affected devices to identify denial-of-service conditions early.
How to Mitigate CVE-2024-41967
Immediate Actions Required
- Restrict network reachability of device management interfaces to trusted administrative networks only.
- Review and reduce the number of low-privileged accounts that can authenticate to affected devices.
- Audit boot mode and firmware upgrade configurations on all affected devices for unauthorized changes.
Patch Information
Refer to the VDE Security Advisory VDE-2024-047 for authoritative patch availability, fixed versions, and vendor-specific remediation instructions. Apply the vendor-provided firmware update as soon as it is available for your product model.
Workarounds
- Segment affected devices onto isolated management VLANs and block untrusted access to configuration ports.
- Enforce strong authentication and rotate credentials for any account with network access to affected devices.
- Disable remote configuration interfaces where operationally feasible until a fixed firmware version is deployed.
- Implement change-control alerting so any boot mode or firmware configuration modification requires review.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
