CVE-2024-52879 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, SmmUpdateVariablePropertySmi () is a SMM callback function and it uses StrCmp () to compare variable names. This action may cause a buffer over-read.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/15/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-52879 resides within the Insyde InsydeH2O kernel firmware ecosystem, specifically affecting multiple kernel versions including 5.2 through 5.7 across various release branches. This issue manifests in the VariableRuntimeDxe driver where a critical flaw exists in the SmmUpdateVariablePropertySmi() function that operates as a System Management Mode callback handler. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation and memory handling practices during variable name comparison operations, creating a potentially exploitable condition that could compromise system security and integrity.
The technical flaw occurs when the SmmUpdateVariablePropertySmi() function invokes the StrCmp() API to compare variable names within the SMM context. This seemingly routine operation becomes problematic because StrCmp() does not perform bounds checking on the strings it compares, leading to potential buffer over-read conditions when processing variable names that exceed expected length constraints. The vulnerability represents a classic implementation error where the firmware fails to properly validate or sanitize input parameters before processing them, creating a scenario where memory beyond allocated boundaries could be accessed or read. This behavior directly maps to CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and more specifically relates to CWE-125, indicating an out-of-bounds read vulnerability.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data corruption, as it could enable attackers to extract sensitive information from system memory, potentially including cryptographic keys, system credentials, or other confidential data stored in firmware variables. The SMM callback nature of the vulnerable function means that exploitation could occur with elevated privileges, as SMM operates at the highest privilege level within the system architecture. This creates a significant risk for attackers who might leverage the vulnerability to gain deeper system access, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability's presence across multiple kernel versions indicates a widespread issue affecting various firmware implementations, making it particularly concerning for organizations maintaining legacy systems or those that have not yet updated to patched versions.
Mitigation strategies should prioritize immediate firmware updates to the latest available versions that contain patches addressing this specific buffer over-read condition. Organizations must conduct thorough inventory assessments to identify all affected systems running InsydeH2O kernel versions prior to the specified patch releases. Additionally, implementing runtime monitoring and anomaly detection systems can help identify potential exploitation attempts by monitoring for unusual SMM activity or memory access patterns. Security teams should also consider applying firmware-level protections such as memory protection mechanisms and input sanitization routines to prevent similar issues from occurring in future implementations. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of proper memory management in firmware environments and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.008 for kernel-mode rootkits and T1547.007 for system service persistence mechanisms that could be leveraged through such firmware vulnerabilities.