CVE-2020-12929 in Graphics Driver
Summary
by MITRE • 11/17/2021
Improper parameters validation in some trusted applications of the PSP contained in the AMD Graphics Driver may allow a local attacker to bypass security restrictions and achieve arbitrary code execution .
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/21/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-12929 represents a critical security flaw within the AMD Graphics Driver ecosystem that affects the Platform Security Processor PSP firmware components. This issue stems from inadequate parameter validation mechanisms within trusted applications running on the PSP, which serves as a dedicated security coprocessor responsible for hardware-level security operations in AMD processors. The PSP operates as a separate execution environment that handles cryptographic operations, firmware updates, and other security-sensitive functions, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to escalate privileges and gain unauthorized access to system resources.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the insufficient validation of input parameters passed to trusted applications within the PSP firmware. When legitimate applications attempt to interact with PSP services, they must provide specific parameters that define the scope and nature of the requested operations. However, the flawed implementation fails to properly validate these parameters, allowing malicious inputs to bypass security checks that should normally prevent unauthorized operations. This validation failure creates a pathway for local attackers who already have system access to manipulate the parameter values and execute code that would normally be restricted. The vulnerability specifically affects applications that are part of the AMD Graphics Driver package, which means that exploitation requires either legitimate user access or a compromised system context where the attacker can execute code with sufficient privileges to interact with these trusted applications.
The operational impact of CVE-2020-12929 extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it enables attackers to achieve arbitrary code execution within the PSP environment, potentially compromising the entire system security infrastructure. This vulnerability creates a persistent threat vector that could allow attackers to modify firmware components, inject malicious code into the security processor, or gain access to cryptographic keys and other sensitive data stored within the PSP. The implications are particularly severe because the PSP operates at a lower privilege level than the main operating system, making it an ideal target for attackers seeking to establish persistent backdoors or to undermine the fundamental security model of the system. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-20, which describes improper input validation, and represents a classic example of how insufficient validation in trusted code can create catastrophic security implications. The attack surface is further expanded by the fact that the vulnerability exists in applications that are part of standard graphics driver installations, making it widely accessible to potential attackers.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-12929 require immediate action from system administrators and users to address the vulnerability through official driver updates provided by AMD. The primary recommended approach involves installing the latest AMD Graphics Driver updates that contain patches specifically designed to address the parameter validation flaws in the affected PSP applications. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all systems running AMD graphics hardware receive the necessary updates as quickly as possible. Additionally, security teams should consider implementing monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous behavior in system firmware operations, particularly around PSP-related activities. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving privilege escalation and persistence, specifically covering T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation and T1059 for command and scripting interpreter. Network segmentation and access control measures should be strengthened to limit potential lateral movement if the vulnerability is successfully exploited, while also ensuring that only authorized personnel have access to systems with AMD graphics hardware that may be vulnerable to this specific flaw.