CVE-2024-42492 in Server M50FCP Family
Summary
by MITRE • 02/13/2025
Uncontrolled search path element in some BIOS and System Firmware Update Package for Intel(R) Server M50FCP family before version R01.02.0002 may allow a privileged user to potentially enable escalation of privilege via local access.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/13/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-42492 represents a critical security flaw within the firmware update mechanisms of Intel Server M50FCP family systems. This issue stems from an uncontrolled search path element that exists in the BIOS and system firmware update packages, creating a potential vector for privilege escalation attacks. The vulnerability specifically affects systems running firmware versions prior to R01.02.0002, indicating that this represents a known weakness that has been addressed in subsequent releases but remains present in older deployments. The flaw allows a privileged user with local access to manipulate the firmware update process and potentially elevate their privileges within the system.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in how the firmware update mechanism handles search paths during the update process. When firmware packages are processed, the system searches through predetermined directories to locate required components or files. The uncontrolled search path element means that the system does not properly validate or sanitize the paths being searched, allowing an attacker with local access to potentially manipulate the update process. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-427, which describes uncontrolled search path elements where a program searches for files in directories that can be manipulated by an attacker. The flaw essentially creates a situation where legitimate system components can be replaced with malicious counterparts through path manipulation.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to server environments that rely on the Intel M50FCP platform. The requirement for local access means that the attack vector is limited to users who already have some level of system access, but this privilege escalation capability can be particularly dangerous in multi-tenant environments or when attackers can obtain legitimate credentials through other means. Once exploited, the privilege escalation could potentially allow attackers to gain administrative control over the firmware update mechanisms themselves, leading to persistent backdoors or complete system compromise. The impact extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it affects the fundamental integrity of the system firmware, which is crucial for maintaining overall system security.
The attack surface for this vulnerability is primarily through local system access, making it suitable for exploitation under the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the technique T1068, which covers "Local Port Forwarding" and related privilege escalation methods. The vulnerability could also be leveraged as part of a broader attack chain where initial access is gained through other means, and then the firmware privilege escalation is used to establish persistence or move laterally within the network. Organizations should consider this vulnerability in their risk assessments for critical infrastructure servers and evaluate their firmware update processes to ensure they are not susceptible to manipulation. The recommended mitigation strategy involves immediate deployment of firmware version R01.02.0002 or later, along with implementing strict access controls and monitoring for unauthorized firmware modification attempts. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing firmware integrity checking mechanisms and regular security assessments to detect potential exploitation attempts.