CVE-2024-21844 in CSME
Summary
by MITRE • 08/14/2024
Integer overflow in firmware for some Intel(R) CSME may allow an unauthenticated user to potentially enable denial of service via adjacent access.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/05/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-21844 represents a critical integer overflow flaw within the firmware of certain Intel Client Side Management Engine implementations. This vulnerability specifically affects the Intel CSME firmware component which operates as a separate microcontroller within Intel platforms, managing various security functions including platform configuration and device firmware updates. The integer overflow occurs during firmware processing operations where insufficient input validation leads to improper handling of numerical values exceeding their allocated storage capacity. This flaw exists in the firmware processing logic that manages communication protocols and access controls within the CSME environment.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from inadequate boundary checking mechanisms within the firmware codebase, particularly when processing incoming data streams or configuration parameters. When an attacker with adjacent network access submits malformed input data that triggers the integer overflow condition, the firmware's memory management routines become compromised. This overflow can result in unexpected behavior where critical system variables are overwritten, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution or complete system instability. The vulnerability specifically impacts the firmware's ability to properly validate and process incoming commands, creating a potential pathway for unauthorized system manipulation.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant risk to enterprise environments where Intel CSME firmware is deployed across multiple platforms. The requirement for adjacent access means that an attacker must be physically present on the network segment or have direct physical access to the target system, limiting but not eliminating the threat surface. However, the potential for denial of service exploitation remains substantial as the overflow can cause the CSME firmware to crash or enter an inconsistent state, effectively rendering the platform's security features non-functional. This impacts the overall platform security posture and can prevent legitimate firmware updates or configuration changes from being processed properly.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-190, which specifically addresses integer overflow conditions in software implementations. The attack surface is further characterized by ATT&CK technique T1068, which involves exploiting local system vulnerabilities to gain elevated privileges. Organizations should prioritize immediate firmware updates from Intel to address this vulnerability, as the patching process requires careful consideration of potential compatibility issues with existing platform configurations. Network segmentation strategies should be implemented to limit adjacent access, and monitoring systems should be enhanced to detect anomalous behavior patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, security teams should conduct thorough risk assessments to identify all affected platforms and implement appropriate access controls to minimize exposure. The remediation process must consider the critical nature of CSME functionality and ensure that firmware updates do not inadvertently disrupt essential platform security features or system operations.