CVE-2022-27677 in Ryzen
Summary
by MITRE • 03/01/2023
Failure to validate privileges during installation of AMD Ryzen™ Master may allow an attacker with low privileges to modify files potentially leading to privilege escalation and code execution by the lower privileged user.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/19/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-27677 represents a critical privilege escalation flaw within the AMD Ryzen™ Master installation process. This issue stems from inadequate validation of user permissions during software installation, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit the system's security controls. The vulnerability specifically affects the installation component of AMD Ryzen Master, a system monitoring and optimization tool that requires elevated privileges to function properly. When the installer fails to properly verify whether the executing user possesses sufficient privileges, it creates an opportunity for attackers to manipulate the installation process and gain unauthorized access to system resources.
The technical nature of this vulnerability falls under the category of insufficient privilege checks and validation, which aligns with CWE-276, specifically addressing inadequate privilege management during software installation processes. The flaw manifests when the installer does not properly authenticate or authorize the user context in which it operates, allowing a low-privileged user to potentially bypass normal access controls. This weakness enables an attacker to modify critical system files or registry entries that would typically require administrative privileges, effectively undermining the principle of least privilege that forms the foundation of secure system design.
From an operational perspective, the impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation to potentially enable full system compromise. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges, effectively transforming a standard user account into a system administrator-level account. This capability allows for persistent access, data exfiltration, and further lateral movement within the network. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it occurs during the installation phase, which means that any user with access to the system can potentially exploit this weakness before the software is properly secured. The attack vector is relatively straightforward, as it requires only local access and basic user-level privileges to initiate the exploitation process.
The implications of this vulnerability align with several tactics outlined in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, specifically covering privilege escalation techniques and installation methods. The flaw enables adversaries to maintain persistence by installing malicious components that can execute with elevated privileges, and it provides a method for attackers to establish a foothold that can be leveraged for more extensive compromise. Organizations running AMD Ryzen Master software are particularly at risk, as this vulnerability can be exploited without requiring network access or sophisticated attack vectors. The remediation approach should focus on implementing proper privilege validation mechanisms during installation and ensuring that system administrators apply security patches promptly. Additionally, network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit local user access where possible, and regular security audits should verify that installation processes properly enforce privilege requirements. The vulnerability underscores the importance of secure coding practices and the necessity of thorough security testing during software development, particularly for components that handle system-level operations and privilege management.