CVE-2024-7344 in Reloader UEFI Application
Summary
by MITRE • 01/14/2025
Howyar UEFI Application "Reloader" (32-bit and 64-bit) is vulnerable to execution of unsigned software in a hardcoded path.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/14/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-7344 affects the Howyar UEFI Application "Reloader" which is a component designed to manage system reboots and firmware updates within UEFI environments. This application is present in both 32-bit and 64-bit variants, indicating a widespread exposure across different system architectures. The core issue lies in the application's implementation of code execution policies where it permits the execution of unsigned software through a hardcoded path mechanism. This design flaw fundamentally undermines the security model of UEFI environments which are specifically engineered to prevent unauthorized code execution through secure boot mechanisms. The hardcoded path represents a critical bypass that allows malicious actors to load and execute arbitrary code without proper cryptographic verification, effectively neutralizing the security controls that UEFI systems are designed to enforce.
The technical flaw manifests in the application's failure to validate code signatures or enforce integrity checks when loading software from the hardcoded path. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-1104 which describes the weakness of using hardcoded credentials or paths that can be exploited by attackers to bypass security controls. The UEFI environment operates under strict security protocols where all code execution must be verified through cryptographic signatures and trusted execution paths. When an application like the Howyar Reloader allows unsigned code execution through a hardcoded path, it creates a persistent backdoor that can be exploited during system boot processes. This represents a severe compromise of the UEFI secure boot chain where the integrity of the boot process is fundamentally compromised, allowing attackers to establish persistent footholds within the system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple code execution privileges, as it enables attackers to manipulate the system boot process and potentially gain root-level access to the underlying hardware. The attack surface is particularly concerning because UEFI applications execute with the highest privileges within the system, making this vulnerability a prime target for advanced persistent threats. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability aligns with T1068 which describes the technique of exploiting legitimate credentials and system access to gain privileged access. The hardcoded path allows attackers to execute malicious payloads during the boot sequence before the operating system has fully loaded, providing them with an ideal environment for establishing persistence and conducting further exploitation. This vulnerability can be exploited by attackers to install rootkits, modify system firmware, or establish backdoors that survive operating system reboots.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-7344 must address the hardcoded path implementation and enforce proper code validation mechanisms within the UEFI environment. Organizations should immediately disable or remove the vulnerable Howyar UEFI Application if possible, or implement firmware updates from the vendor that correct the hardcoded path vulnerability. Security teams should monitor UEFI firmware integrity through hardware-based solutions and establish continuous monitoring of boot processes for unauthorized code execution. The remediation process must include verification of all UEFI applications and ensure that code signatures are properly validated before execution. Additionally, system administrators should implement proper firmware access controls and restrict the ability to modify UEFI settings through secure boot policies. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining strict code validation in UEFI environments and highlights the need for comprehensive firmware security assessments to identify similar hardcoded path implementations that could compromise system integrity.