CVE-2020-12905 in Graphics Driver
Summary
by MITRE • 11/17/2021
Out of Bounds Read in AMD Graphics Driver for Windows 10 in Escape 0x3004403 may lead to arbitrary information disclosure.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/19/2021
The vulnerability CVE-2020-12905 represents a critical out-of-bounds read flaw discovered in AMD Graphics Driver for Windows 10, specifically within the Escape function identified as 0x3004403. This issue manifests in the kernel-mode component of the graphics driver, which handles hardware abstraction and direct GPU communication. The vulnerability arises from insufficient input validation and bounds checking within the driver's implementation of the DeviceIoControl function, which is commonly used to process escape codes for hardware-specific operations. When a malicious application or attacker submits crafted input parameters to this specific escape code, the driver fails to properly validate the size or content of the provided data structure, leading to memory access violations.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a carefully constructed DeviceIoControl call that targets the graphics driver's kernel module. The escape code 0x3004403 is designed to handle specific GPU-related operations, but due to improper bounds checking, the driver reads memory beyond the allocated buffer boundaries. This out-of-bounds read can potentially expose sensitive kernel memory contents including stack data, heap information, or other driver-internal structures. The flaw falls under CWE-129 Input Validation and Bounds Checking, specifically addressing improper validation of input data that leads to memory access violations. According to the ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1068 Exploitation for Privilege Escalation, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to extract information that might aid in further system compromise.
The operational impact of CVE-2020-12905 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the leaked memory contents could contain sensitive data such as cryptographic keys, security tokens, or system configuration details. Attackers could leverage this information to bypass security mechanisms, perform more sophisticated attacks, or conduct targeted exploitation against other system components. The vulnerability affects all versions of AMD Graphics Drivers for Windows 10, making it particularly concerning for enterprise environments where multiple systems may be exposed. This issue demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation in kernel-mode drivers, as even seemingly benign functionality can become a vector for information leakage when inadequate bounds checking is implemented.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily focus on immediate driver updates from AMD, which include proper bounds checking and input validation for the affected escape code. System administrators should prioritize patching affected systems, particularly those running in high-security environments or handling sensitive data. Additional protective measures include implementing kernel-mode exploit protection, disabling unnecessary graphics driver functionality, and monitoring for suspicious DeviceIoControl calls. The vulnerability highlights the necessity of robust security practices in driver development, emphasizing the need for comprehensive testing including fuzzing and memory safety validation. Organizations should also consider implementing runtime monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous behavior patterns consistent with exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments of graphics drivers and kernel components remain essential for maintaining system integrity and preventing exploitation of similar vulnerabilities in the future.