CVE-2024-23918 in Xeon
Summary
by MITRE • 11/13/2024
Improper conditions check in some Intel(R) Xeon(R) processor memory controller configurations when using Intel(R) SGX may allow a privileged user to potentially enable escalation of privilege via local access.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/16/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-23918 represents a critical security flaw within Intel Xeon processor memory controller implementations that specifically impacts systems utilizing Intel Software Guard Extensions. This issue stems from inadequate validation of memory controller conditions when Intel SGX is active, creating a potential pathway for privilege escalation attacks. The flaw exists in the processor's memory management subsystem where proper boundary checks are not enforced during memory controller operations, particularly when SGX enclaves are being utilized. The vulnerability affects systems where Intel Xeon processors are configured with specific memory controller settings that interact with Intel SGX functionality, making it particularly concerning for enterprise environments that rely on hardware-based security features for sensitive operations.
From a technical perspective, the vulnerability manifests as a failure in the memory controller's conditional logic that governs how memory operations are processed when Intel SGX is active. This improper conditions check allows a maliciously configured privileged user to manipulate memory controller behavior in ways that should not be permitted under normal operational conditions. The flaw essentially creates a condition where memory operations that should be restricted or validated are not properly verified, potentially allowing unauthorized memory access patterns that could expose sensitive data or enable code execution in protected memory regions. The vulnerability is classified as a privilege escalation issue because it leverages the existing memory controller's functionality to bypass normal access controls, requiring only local access to exploit the condition.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple local privilege escalation, as it directly affects the integrity of Intel SGX security features that are designed to protect sensitive computations and data. Organizations using Intel Xeon processors with SGX capabilities are at risk of having their hardware-based security protections undermined, potentially exposing confidential information stored in SGX enclaves or allowing attackers to execute malicious code within protected memory regions. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in environments where sensitive data processing occurs, such as financial services, healthcare systems, or government applications that rely on hardware-based security measures. Attackers could exploit this condition to gain elevated privileges on systems, potentially leading to complete system compromise or unauthorized access to protected data.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-23918 should focus on both firmware updates and operational security measures. Intel has released processor microcode updates that address the improper conditions check in memory controller configurations, and system administrators should prioritize applying these updates across all affected Intel Xeon processor installations. Additionally, organizations should implement monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous memory controller behavior patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284 which addresses improper access control, and its exploitation patterns correspond to ATT&CK technique T1068 which covers local privilege escalation. Security teams should also consider implementing additional access controls and monitoring for memory controller operations, particularly when SGX is active, to detect potential exploitation attempts. Organizations should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify all systems running affected Intel Xeon processors with SGX enabled and prioritize remediation efforts accordingly.