CVE-2024-52877 in InsydeH2O
Summary
by MITRE • 05/15/2025
An issue was discovered in Insyde InsydeH2O kernel 5.2 before version 05.29.50, kernel 5.3 before version 05.38.50, kernel 5.4 before version 05.46.50, kernel 5.5 before version 05.54.50, kernel 5.6 before version 05.61.50, and kernel 5.7 before version 05.70.50. In VariableRuntimeDxe driver, callback function SmmCreateVariableLockList () calls CreateVariableLockListInSmm (). In CreateVariableLockListInSmm (), it uses StrSize () to get variable name size and it could lead to a buffer over-read.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/15/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-52877 resides within the Insyde InsydeH2O kernel firmware implementations across multiple versions, specifically affecting kernel versions 5.2 through 5.7 before their respective patched releases. This issue manifests in the VariableRuntimeDxe driver where a critical flaw exists in the SmmCreateVariableLockList() callback function that invokes CreateVariableLockListInSmm(). The root cause stems from improper memory management during variable name size calculation, creating a potential buffer over-read condition that could be exploited by malicious actors with access to the system firmware layer.
The technical flaw occurs when the CreateVariableLockListInSmm() function employs the StrSize() API to determine the size of variable names within the Secure Monitor Mode environment. This approach fails to properly validate input boundaries, allowing an attacker to craft malicious variable names that exceed expected buffer limits. The StrSize() function returns the size of a null-terminated string including the terminating null character, but when combined with improper buffer allocation or bounds checking in the firmware's memory management routines, it creates opportunities for over-read conditions. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow and CWE-787 Out-of-bounds Write, both of which are classified under the broader category of memory safety issues in firmware environments. The issue is particularly concerning in the context of UEFI firmware where secure execution environments like SMM provide privileged access to system resources.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond traditional software exploitation vectors as it affects the fundamental security architecture of UEFI firmware implementations. Attackers could potentially leverage this buffer over-read to extract sensitive information from memory locations, potentially gaining access to cryptographic keys, system configuration data, or other confidential information stored in the firmware's memory space. The vulnerability's presence in multiple kernel versions suggests a widespread exposure across InsydeH2O implementations, making it particularly dangerous for organizations that rely on these firmware components. This type of vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers the exploitation of privileges and T1547.006, which deals with Windows Management Instrumentation Event Subscription. The SMM environment provides attackers with elevated privileges and direct hardware access, making this a critical concern for supply chain security and system integrity.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-52877 must focus on immediate firmware updates from Insyde to the patched versions for each affected kernel series, specifically versions 05.29.50, 05.38.50, 05.46.50, 05.54.50, 05.61.50, and 05.70.50 respectively. Organizations should also implement firmware integrity monitoring solutions to detect unauthorized modifications to the UEFI firmware components. Additional protective measures include enabling Secure Boot configurations, implementing proper firmware access controls, and conducting regular firmware vulnerability assessments. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and memory management in firmware environments, particularly when operating in secure execution contexts like SMM where traditional software protections may not apply. System administrators should also consider implementing runtime monitoring to detect anomalous behavior patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Given the nature of UEFI firmware vulnerabilities, organizations should maintain updated firmware inventory records and establish clear procedures for firmware patch management to ensure comprehensive protection against similar issues in the future.