CVE-2024-38796 identifies a heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability categorized under CWE-122 within the PeCoffLoaderRelocateImage() function of the TianoCore EDK2 project. EDK2 is an open-source implementation of the UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) firmware environment, widely used by hardware manufacturers to initialize hardware and boot operating systems. The vulnerability arises from improper handling of memory during the relocation of PE/COFF images, which can be triggered by an attacker with adjacent network access. This overflow can corrupt memory, leading to potential arbitrary code execution or denial of service at the firmware level. The CVSS v3.1 score of 5.9 reflects an attack vector requiring adjacent network access (AV:A), high attack complexity (AC:H), low privileges (PR:L), no user interaction (UI:N), and impacts confidentiality (C:L), integrity (I:H), and availability (A:L). While no public exploits or patches are currently available, the vulnerability poses a risk to the firmware integrity of affected devices, potentially allowing attackers to compromise system boot processes or implant persistent malware below the OS level. The affected versions are not explicitly detailed beyond '0', indicating possibly all current versions or an unspecified range. The vulnerability was reserved in June 2024 and published in late September 2024, suggesting recent discovery and disclosure.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2024-38796 is significant due to the critical role of UEFI firmware in system security and boot integrity. Exploitation could allow attackers to execute code at the firmware level, bypassing OS-level security controls and potentially leading to persistent, stealthy compromises. This could affect confidentiality by exposing sensitive firmware or system data, integrity by altering firmware code or boot processes, and availability by causing system instability or denial of service. Critical infrastructure sectors such as finance, telecommunications, energy, and government agencies in Europe rely heavily on secure firmware. Compromise at this level could disrupt operations, lead to data breaches, or facilitate further attacks. The requirement for adjacent network access limits remote exploitation but does not eliminate risk in environments with shared network segments or compromised internal networks. The absence of known exploits reduces immediate risk but emphasizes the need for proactive mitigation.

1. Monitor vendor communications closely for firmware updates or patches addressing CVE-2024-38796 and apply them promptly once available. 2. Restrict network access to management interfaces and firmware update mechanisms, especially limiting adjacent network access to trusted devices only. 3. Employ network segmentation to isolate critical systems and reduce the risk of adjacent network attacks. 4. Implement firmware integrity monitoring solutions that can detect unauthorized changes or anomalies in UEFI firmware. 5. Conduct regular security audits of firmware configurations and update policies to ensure compliance with best practices. 6. Educate IT and security teams about the risks associated with firmware vulnerabilities and the importance of timely patching. 7. Consider deploying endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools capable of detecting suspicious behavior indicative of firmware-level compromise. 8. Collaborate with hardware vendors to confirm affected product models and firmware versions in use within the organization.