CVE-2024-2312 in GRUB
Summary
by MITRE • 04/05/2024
GRUB2 does not call the module fini functions on exit, leading to Debian/Ubuntu's peimage GRUB2 module leaving UEFI system table hooks after exit. This lead to a use-after-free condition, and could possibly lead to secure boot bypass.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/05/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-2312 resides within the GRUB2 bootloader implementation and specifically affects Debian and Ubuntu distributions that utilize the peimage module. This issue stems from a fundamental flaw in how GRUB2 handles module cleanup during system shutdown or exit sequences. The peimage module, which is responsible for loading Windows PE (Portable Executable) files, fails to properly execute its module finalization functions when the bootloader exits. This oversight creates a persistent state in the UEFI system table where hooks remain active even after the bootloader has terminated its operation.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a use-after-free condition that manifests when the UEFI system table hooks persist in memory after the peimage module should have been unloaded. When the system attempts to access these freed memory locations, the bootloader's improper cleanup leads to unpredictable behavior that can be leveraged by malicious actors. The persistence of these hooks within the UEFI environment creates a security boundary violation that undermines the fundamental security model of modern boot processes. This vulnerability directly aligns with CWE-415, which describes improper cleanup of resources leading to use-after-free conditions, and also relates to CWE-362, concerning concurrent execution use of a resource.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-2312 extends beyond simple memory management issues to potentially enable complete bypass of secure boot mechanisms that are designed to prevent unauthorized code execution during the boot process. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to inject malicious code into the boot sequence, effectively subverting the integrity checks that secure boot implementations rely upon. The UEFI system table hooks that remain active after module exit create a persistent backdoor that can be manipulated to redirect boot execution flows or modify critical boot parameters. This vulnerability represents a significant threat to system integrity and can potentially allow attackers to establish persistent malicious presence that survives system reboots.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of affected GRUB2 implementations, particularly in Debian and Ubuntu environments where the peimage module is actively used. System administrators should ensure that all affected systems receive the latest security updates from their respective distribution maintainers, as the fix involves proper implementation of module finalization routines within the GRUB2 codebase. Additionally, organizations should implement monitoring for unusual boot behavior or unexpected UEFI table modifications that could indicate exploitation attempts. The remediation process should include thorough verification of UEFI boot integrity using tools such as shim and Secure Boot validation utilities. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper resource management in low-level system components and highlights the need for comprehensive testing of bootloader exit sequences to prevent similar issues in other firmware components. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a bootkit technique under T1068, where adversaries leverage system-level vulnerabilities to establish persistence during the boot process, making it particularly dangerous for enterprise environments where secure boot configurations are expected to provide robust protection against unauthorized system modifications.