CVE-2023-31361
📋 TL;DR
This DLL hijacking vulnerability in AMD Integrated Management Technology (AIM-T) Manageability Service allows attackers to place malicious DLLs in specific directories, which the service loads with elevated privileges. This enables privilege escalation to SYSTEM level and arbitrary code execution. Affected systems include Windows devices with vulnerable AMD AIM-T versions.
💻 Affected Systems
- AMD Integrated Management Technology (AIM-T) Manageability Service
⚠️ 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
Full SYSTEM privilege escalation leading to complete system compromise, persistence establishment, and lateral movement across the network.
Likely Case
Local privilege escalation allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code with SYSTEM privileges, install malware, or steal sensitive data.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if proper application whitelisting, DLL signing verification, and least privilege principles are enforced.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires local access to place malicious DLL in writable directory that the service searches. Attack complexity is medium due to need for specific directory placement and DLL creation.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Version 1.0.0.14 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://www.amd.com/en/resources/product-security/bulletin/amd-sb-9012.html
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Download AMD AIM-T update from AMD website. 2. Install the update following vendor instructions. 3. Verify service is running version 1.0.0.14 or higher.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict DLL search path
WindowsConfigure Windows to restrict DLL search paths and prevent loading from current directory
Set registry key: HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager\SafeDllSearchMode = 1
Remove vulnerable service
WindowsUninstall AMD AIM-T Manageability Service if not required
Control Panel > Programs > Uninstall AMD Integrated Management Technology
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement application control/whitelisting to prevent unauthorized DLL execution
- Apply strict file system permissions to prevent DLL placement in vulnerable directories
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check AIM-T service version via Services.msc or command: sc query "AMD User Experience Program"Check Version:
wmic service where "name='AMD User Experience Program'" get PathNameVerify Fix Applied:
Verify AIM-T service version is 1.0.0.14 or higher using: sc query "AMD User Experience Program" | findstr "BINARY_PATH_NAME"📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Event ID 4688: New process creation from AIM-T service
- Event ID 7045: Service installation/modification
- DLL loading from unusual directories
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections from SYSTEM context following local privilege escalation
SIEM Query:
source="windows" AND (event_id=4688 OR event_id=7045) AND process_name="*AIM*" AND (parent_process="services.exe" OR user="SYSTEM")