CVE-2024-36293 in Processors with Intel SGX
Summary
by MITRE • 02/13/2025
Improper access control in the EDECCSSA user leaf function for some Intel(R) Processors with Intel(R) SGX may allow an authenticated user to potentially enable denial of service via local access.
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/01/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-36293 represents a critical access control flaw within the EDECCSSA user leaf function of certain Intel processors that support Intel Software Guard Extensions. This weakness specifically affects systems where the Intel SGX security feature is implemented, creating potential pathways for authenticated users to exploit the system's security boundaries. The issue stems from inadequate validation mechanisms within the processor's security subsystem that governs access to sensitive cryptographic operations and memory protection features.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the improper implementation of access controls within the EDECCSSA user leaf function, which serves as a critical interface for managing secure enclaves and cryptographic operations in Intel SGX environments. This flaw allows an authenticated user with local system access to manipulate the processor's security state in ways that were not intended by the architectural design. The vulnerability specifically targets the processor's ability to properly enforce access restrictions when handling user-level requests that should be subject to strict security controls. When exploited, this weakness enables the execution of unauthorized operations that can disrupt normal system functionality and potentially compromise the integrity of protected memory regions.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-36293 extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass significant denial of service conditions that can severely impact system availability and performance. An attacker with local authenticated access can leverage this vulnerability to cause system instability, application crashes, or complete system hangs that effectively render the affected processor incapable of performing its intended security functions. This vulnerability particularly affects environments where Intel SGX is actively utilized for protecting sensitive data and cryptographic operations, as it undermines the fundamental security guarantees that these features are designed to provide. The potential for persistent denial of service makes this vulnerability especially concerning for enterprise environments where system uptime and reliability are critical requirements.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patch deployment from Intel, which typically involves updating the processor microcode to correct the access control implementation. Organizations should also implement additional monitoring and logging mechanisms to detect unusual patterns of access to the affected processor functions, as outlined in the CWE-284 access control weakness classification. System administrators should consider implementing least privilege principles and restricting local access to systems containing vulnerable processors, aligning with the ATT&CK framework's defense in depth strategies. The vulnerability's classification under CWE-284 emphasizes the importance of proper access control implementation, while its potential for denial of service aligns with ATT&CK technique T1499 for network denial of service and system disruption. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to ensure that systems remain protected against similar access control weaknesses that may exist in other processor functions or software components.