CVE-2020-12944
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows attackers to execute arbitrary code by exploiting insufficient validation of BIOS image length in AMD ASP Firmware. It affects systems with vulnerable AMD processors and firmware. Successful exploitation could compromise system integrity and allow persistent control.
💻 Affected Systems
- AMD Ryzen processors with ASP Firmware
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete system compromise with persistent firmware-level malware that survives OS reinstallation and allows full control over the device.
Likely Case
Local privilege escalation allowing attackers to gain administrative access, install backdoors, or exfiltrate sensitive data from the system.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if proper firmware validation and secure boot are enabled, though risk remains for physical access scenarios.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires local access and knowledge of firmware manipulation. No public exploits known at this time.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Firmware updates as specified in AMD advisory
Vendor Advisory: https://www.amd.com/en/corporate/product-security/bulletin/amd-sb-1027
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Check AMD advisory for specific affected products. 2. Download firmware update from motherboard/system manufacturer. 3. Follow manufacturer's BIOS/UEFI update procedure. 4. Reboot system to apply firmware update.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict physical access
allLimit physical access to systems to prevent local exploitation
Implement secure boot
allEnable secure boot to validate firmware integrity
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Isolate affected systems from critical networks
- Implement strict access controls and monitoring for local privilege escalation attempts
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check system BIOS/UEFI version against AMD advisory. Use manufacturer tools to verify firmware version.Check Version:
On Windows: wmic bios get smbiosbiosversion. On Linux: dmidecode -s bios-versionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify BIOS/UEFI version has been updated to patched version. Check that secure boot is enabled and functioning.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- BIOS/UEFI update logs
- Failed firmware validation attempts
- Unexpected system reboots
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections from system services
- Anomalous privilege escalation patterns
SIEM Query:
EventID=12 OR EventID=13 (System startup/shutdown) correlated with privilege escalation events