CVE-2024-52880 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, SecureBootHandler uses DataSize and VariableNameSize when determining if the data or name are in the buffer, but these are supplied by the caller and therefore cannot be trusted.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/29/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-52880 resides within the Insyde InsydeH2O kernel 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 component which handles variable runtime operations within the UEFI environment. The flaw represents a classic case of input validation failure where the SecureBootHandler function relies on parameters provided by untrusted callers without adequate verification of their legitimacy. The affected driver operates at a critical system level where it processes UEFI variables and secure boot configurations, making it a prime target for exploitation by malicious actors seeking to compromise system integrity.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from the improper validation of user-supplied parameters within the SecureBootHandler function. Specifically, the handler utilizes DataSize and VariableNameSize parameters to determine buffer boundaries for data and name validation purposes. These parameters are directly passed from the caller without any sanitization or verification steps, creating a potential for buffer overflow conditions or memory corruption scenarios. The vulnerability falls under CWE-129, which specifically addresses insufficient validation of length of input buffers, and more broadly relates to CWE-787, concerning out-of-bounds write operations. The attacker-controlled nature of these size parameters allows for manipulation of memory layout and potentially arbitrary code execution within the UEFI context, which operates with elevated privileges and can bypass standard operating system security mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond typical software flaws due to the privileged execution environment in which the affected driver operates. Since UEFI drivers execute before the operating system loads, successful exploitation could enable attackers to establish persistent backdoors, modify secure boot configurations, or inject malicious code that persists across system reboots. This represents a severe threat to system integrity and could compromise the entire platform security model. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it affects multiple kernel versions simultaneously, indicating a systemic issue within the InsydeH2O implementation that could affect numerous device types including laptops, desktops, and servers running affected firmware. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a privilege escalation technique under T1068, where attackers leverage system-level vulnerabilities to gain elevated privileges. Additionally, the vulnerability could be leveraged in conjunction with other UEFI exploits to create complete system compromise scenarios, as it provides a foundational attack vector that operates below the operating system level.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-52880 primarily focus on immediate firmware updates from Insyde to address the specific versions affected. Organizations should prioritize patching all affected systems and verify that the updates contain proper input validation for the DataSize and VariableNameSize parameters. System administrators should also implement monitoring for unusual UEFI variable modifications and secure boot configuration changes that could indicate exploitation attempts. Additional defensive measures include enabling firmware lockdown features where available, implementing proper access controls for UEFI configuration interfaces, and conducting regular firmware integrity checks. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of validating all user-supplied inputs in privileged code paths and demonstrates the necessity of following secure coding practices that align with industry standards such as those outlined in the OWASP Secure Coding Practices and NIST guidelines for firmware security. Organizations should also consider implementing hardware-based security features like Intel SGX or ARM TrustZone where available, as these technologies can provide additional isolation layers that may mitigate the impact of such vulnerabilities.