CVE-2024-24985 in ACTM
Summary
by MITRE • 11/13/2024
Exposure of resource to wrong sphere in some Intel(R) processors with Intel(R) ACTM may allow a privileged user to potentially enable escalation of privilege via local access.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/13/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-24985 represents a critical privilege escalation flaw affecting certain Intel processors that implement Intel Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) and Intel Advanced Configuration and Power Interface Technology Manager (ACTM). This vulnerability resides within the processor's power management and configuration subsystem, specifically within the ACPI implementation that governs how system resources are allocated and managed during various power states. The flaw allows a privileged local user to exploit a misconfiguration in resource access controls, potentially enabling unauthorized privilege escalation that could compromise the entire system's security posture.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from improper resource management within the Intel ACTM implementation, where access controls fail to properly enforce the principle of least privilege for system resources. When the processor handles power management operations through ACPI interfaces, it creates a scenario where certain system resources that should be restricted to kernel-level access become accessible to unprivileged user-space processes. This misconfiguration allows a malicious user with local access to manipulate system resources that should remain protected, creating a pathway for privilege escalation attacks. The vulnerability specifically affects processors that implement Intel's Advanced Configuration and Power Interface technology, which is commonly found in enterprise and consumer computing platforms.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-24985 extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it represents a fundamental breakdown in the processor's security model that could enable attackers to gain elevated system privileges. A successful exploitation could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code with kernel-level privileges, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability's local access requirement means that an attacker must already have a foothold on the system through legitimate user access, but this initial access point provides a critical stepping stone for further attacks. The implications are particularly severe in enterprise environments where local access might be more readily available through various attack vectors such as phishing, social engineering, or compromised legitimate accounts.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on both immediate system hardening and long-term architectural improvements. System administrators should implement the latest Intel firmware updates and microcode patches that address the specific resource access control issues within the ACTM implementation. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing additional access controls and monitoring mechanisms to detect unauthorized privilege escalation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which describes improper access control in software systems, and relates to ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers local privilege escalation through system weaknesses. Organizations should also review their current privilege management policies and consider implementing mandatory access controls to limit the potential impact of such vulnerabilities, as the flaw essentially creates a backdoor for privilege escalation that bypasses traditional security controls.