CVE-2020-12899 – This vulnerability in AMD Graphics Driver for W... (How to Fix)

Q: What is the severity of CVE-2020-12899?

CVE-2020-12899 has a CVSS score of 7.1 (HIGH). This vulnerability in AMD Graphics Driver for Windows 10 allows attackers to read arbitrary memory locations, potentially bypassing kernel address space layout randomization (KASLR) or causing denial of service. It affects Windows 10 systems with vulnerable AMD graphics drivers installed.

📋 TL;DR

This vulnerability in AMD Graphics Driver for Windows 10 allows attackers to read arbitrary memory locations, potentially bypassing kernel address space layout randomization (KASLR) or causing denial of service. It affects Windows 10 systems with vulnerable AMD graphics drivers installed.

💻 Affected Systems

Products:

AMD Graphics Driver

Versions: Specific vulnerable versions not detailed in advisory; check AMD advisory for exact versions.

Operating Systems: Windows 10

Default Config Vulnerable: ⚠️ Yes

Notes: Requires AMD graphics hardware and vulnerable driver version. Exact affected configurations detailed in AMD advisory.

📦 What is this software?

Radeon Software by Amd

View all CVEs affecting Radeon Software →

⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact

🔴

Worst Case

KASLR bypass enabling more sophisticated kernel exploits, system crashes, or information disclosure of sensitive kernel memory contents.

🟠

Likely Case

System instability, crashes, or information disclosure that could facilitate further attacks.

🟢

If Mitigated

Limited impact with proper patch management and security controls in place.

🌐 Internet-Facing: LOW - Requires local access or malware execution on target system.

🏢 Internal Only: MEDIUM - Could be exploited by malware or malicious insiders with local access.

🎯 Exploit Status

Public PoC: ✅ No

Weaponized: UNKNOWN

Unauthenticated Exploit: ✅ No

Complexity: MEDIUM

Requires local access to system. Exploitation details not publicly documented.

🛠️ Fix & Mitigation

✅ Official Fix

Patch Version: Check AMD driver updates for your specific graphics card model

Vendor Advisory: https://www.amd.com/en/corporate/product-security/bulletin/amd-sb-1000

Restart Required: Yes

Instructions:

1. Visit AMD driver download page
2. Select your graphics card model
3. Download latest driver
4. Run installer
5. Restart system

🔧 Temporary Workarounds

Disable vulnerable driver

windows

Temporarily disable AMD graphics driver if not essential

devmgmt.msc -> Display adapters -> Right-click AMD device -> Disable device

🧯 If You Can't Patch

Restrict local access to affected systems
Implement application whitelisting to prevent unauthorized code execution

🔍 How to Verify

Check if Vulnerable:

Check AMD driver version in Device Manager or AMD Radeon Settings against patched versions in AMD advisory

Check Version:

dxdiag (Display tab) or AMD Radeon Settings -> System -> Software

Verify Fix Applied:

Verify driver version is updated to patched version listed in AMD advisory

📡 Detection & Monitoring

Log Indicators:

System crashes, driver failures in Windows Event Log
Unexpected driver access patterns

Network Indicators:

None - local exploit only

SIEM Query:

EventID=1001 OR EventID=1000 with AMD driver references

📊 Metadata

CVE ID: CVE-2020-12899

CVSS v3 Score: 7.1 (HIGH)

CVSS Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:H

Published: November 15, 2021

Last Updated: November 21, 2024

🔗 References

https://www.amd.com/en/corporate/product-security/bulletin/amd-sb-1000 Vendor Advisory
https://www.amd.com/en/corporate/product-security/bulletin/amd-sb-1000 Vendor Advisory

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