CVE-2023-20562
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability in AMD uProf allows authenticated users to bypass driver signature validation through insufficient IOCTL buffer validation, potentially loading unsigned drivers and executing arbitrary code in kernel mode. It affects systems running vulnerable versions of AMD uProf software.
💻 Affected Systems
- AMD uProf
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Full system compromise with kernel-level privileges, allowing attackers to install persistent malware, steal sensitive data, or disable security controls.
Likely Case
Privilege escalation from authenticated user to SYSTEM/kernel privileges, enabling lateral movement and persistence establishment.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if proper application whitelisting and driver signature enforcement are in place.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires understanding of IOCTL manipulation and driver loading mechanisms; authenticated access needed.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Check AMD-SB-7003 for specific patched version
Vendor Advisory: https://www.amd.com/en/corporate/product-security/bulletin/AMD-SB-7003
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Visit AMD security advisory AMD-SB-7003
2. Download latest AMD uProf version
3. Install update following vendor instructions
4. Restart system
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict uProf Access
windowsLimit which users can run AMD uProf to reduce attack surface
Enable Driver Signature Enforcement
windowsEnsure Windows requires signed drivers
bcdedit /set testsigning off
bcdedit /set nointegritychecks off
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Remove AMD uProf from systems where not essential
- Implement application control policies to block uProf execution
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check AMD uProf version against advisory AMD-SB-7003; vulnerable if running affected versionCheck Version:
Check uProf 'About' dialog or installation detailsVerify Fix Applied:
Confirm uProf version matches patched version from AMD-SB-7003📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Windows Event Logs: Driver loading events, especially for unsigned drivers
- Security logs: Privilege escalation attempts
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections following uProf execution
SIEM Query:
Process creation where parent process contains 'uprof' AND child process has high privileges