CVE-2024-0148 in IGX Orin
Summary
by MITRE • 02/25/2025
NVIDIA Jetson Linux and IGX OS image contains a vulnerability in the UEFI firmware RCM boot mode, where an unprivileged attacker with physical access to the device could load untrusted code. A successful exploit might lead to code execution, escalation of privileges, data tampering, denial of service, and information disclosure. The scope of the impacts can extend to other components.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/25/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-0148 resides within the UEFI firmware implementation of NVIDIA Jetson Linux and IGX OS images, specifically affecting the RCM (Recovery Connection Manager) boot mode. This flaw represents a critical security weakness that undermines the integrity of the device's boot process and overall system security posture. The RCM mode serves as a recovery mechanism for device initialization and firmware updates, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to compromise the system at the lowest possible level.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from insufficient validation mechanisms within the UEFI firmware during the RCM boot process. An unprivileged attacker with physical access to the device can exploit this weakness to load unauthorized code into the system memory. This represents a fundamental failure in the firmware's trust model, as the boot process does not adequately verify the authenticity and integrity of code being executed. The vulnerability operates at the firmware level, bypassing traditional operating system security controls and creating a persistent backdoor for malicious actors.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple code execution capabilities. Successful exploitation could enable attackers to escalate privileges to the highest system levels, effectively granting them complete control over the device. Data tampering becomes possible through direct memory manipulation, while denial of service attacks can be executed by corrupting critical system components or disrupting normal boot sequences. Information disclosure represents another significant concern as the vulnerability may allow attackers to extract sensitive data from system memory or configuration files. The cascading effects of this vulnerability mean that compromises in the firmware level can affect multiple system components and potentially spread to connected networks or other devices in the ecosystem.
From a cybersecurity framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-284 (Improper Access Control) and CWE-327 (Use of a Broken or Risky Cryptographic Algorithm) as it represents a failure in access control mechanisms within the firmware boot process. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1068 (Exploitation for Privilege Escalation) and T1542 (Pre-OS Boot) as it enables attackers to gain elevated privileges through boot process exploitation. The physical access requirement makes this vulnerability particularly concerning for environments where device security is paramount, as it eliminates the traditional network-based attack vectors and relies on the more difficult-to-control physical access controls.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-0148 should prioritize firmware updates from NVIDIA, which will address the underlying validation flaws in the RCM boot mode. Organizations should implement strict physical security controls to limit access to devices in the field, as the vulnerability requires physical presence to exploit. Additional protective measures include enabling secure boot configurations where possible, monitoring for unusual boot patterns or unauthorized firmware modifications, and implementing device integrity checking mechanisms that can detect tampering attempts. System administrators should also consider network-based detection capabilities that can identify anomalous behavior indicative of firmware compromise, while maintaining detailed inventory records to track affected devices and ensure timely remediation. The vulnerability underscores the critical importance of firmware security in embedded systems and highlights the need for comprehensive security measures extending beyond traditional operating system protections.