CVE-2021-46746
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability in AMD's ASP Secure OS Trusted Execution Environment (TEE) allows a privileged attacker with access to AMD signing keys to corrupt return addresses via stack-based buffer overrun. It affects systems using AMD processors with vulnerable TEE implementations. The attack requires privileged access and specific signing keys.
💻 Affected Systems
- AMD processors with ASP Secure OS TEE
⚠️ Manual Verification Required
This CVE does not have specific version information in our database, so automatic vulnerability detection cannot determine if your system is affected.
Why? The CVE database entry doesn't specify which versions are vulnerable (no version ranges provided by the vendor/NVD).
🔒 Custom verification scripts are available for registered users. Sign up free to download automated test scripts.
- Review the CVE details at NVD
- Check vendor security advisories for your specific version
- Test if the vulnerability is exploitable in your environment
- Consider updating to the latest version as a precaution
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete compromise of the TEE environment leading to denial of service for secure applications and potential escalation to host system compromise.
Likely Case
Local denial of service affecting TEE functionality and secure applications running within it.
If Mitigated
Minimal impact if proper access controls prevent unauthorized access to AMD signing keys and TEE interfaces.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires privileged access to AMD signing keys and TEE interfaces, making it complex and targeted.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Refer to AMD advisory for specific firmware/BIOS updates
Vendor Advisory: https://www.amd.com/en/resources/product-security/bulletin/amd-sb-3003.html
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Check AMD advisory for affected products. 2. Download appropriate firmware/BIOS update from AMD or OEM. 3. Apply update following vendor instructions. 4. Reboot system.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict access to TEE interfaces
allLimit privileged access to TEE management interfaces and AMD signing keys
Implement strict access controls
allEnforce least privilege for administrative accounts and secure storage of signing keys
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict access controls to prevent unauthorized access to AMD signing keys and TEE interfaces
- Monitor for unusual TEE activity and restrict TEE usage to essential applications only
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check system BIOS/firmware version against AMD advisory and consult hardware vendorCheck Version:
System specific - typically via BIOS settings, dmidecode on Linux, or system information toolsVerify Fix Applied:
Verify BIOS/firmware version has been updated to patched version specified in AMD advisory📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual TEE access patterns
- Failed TEE operations
- System crashes related to secure applications
Network Indicators:
- Not applicable - local vulnerability
SIEM Query:
Not applicable - requires local system monitoring of TEE access logs