CVE-2025-54515
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows non-secure processors to impersonate secure processors when making PSCI requests in AMD Versal Adaptive SoC's Trusted Firmware. This affects systems using AMD Versal Adaptive SoC devices with vulnerable TF-A firmware versions. The flaw could enable privilege escalation or unauthorized system state changes.
💻 Affected Systems
- AMD Versal Adaptive SoC devices
⚠️ 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
An attacker could execute arbitrary code in secure world, bypass hardware security boundaries, and potentially gain full system control including access to protected memory regions and cryptographic keys.
Likely Case
Privilege escalation allowing non-secure world code to perform actions reserved for secure world, potentially leading to system instability or unauthorized power state changes.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if system uses additional security layers, but still represents a firmware-level security boundary violation.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires understanding of ARM TrustZone architecture and PSCI interface, plus ability to execute code in non-secure world.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Refer to AMD Security Bulletin SB-8020 for specific fixed versions
Vendor Advisory: https://www.amd.com/en/resources/product-security/bulletin/amd-sb-8020.html
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Review AMD Security Bulletin SB-8020. 2. Obtain updated TF-A firmware from AMD or OEM vendor. 3. Follow device-specific firmware update procedures. 4. Reboot system to apply new firmware.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
No direct workarounds available
allThis is a firmware-level vulnerability requiring firmware update
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict access controls to prevent unauthorized local access to affected systems
- Monitor for unusual system behavior or privilege escalation attempts
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check TF-A version against AMD Security Bulletin SB-8020. Use device-specific firmware query commands.Check Version:
Device-specific commands vary by implementation; consult hardware documentationVerify Fix Applied:
Verify TF-A version has been updated to patched version specified in AMD advisory📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unexpected PSCI command executions
- Security state transition anomalies
- Firmware integrity check failures
Network Indicators:
- Not applicable - local firmware vulnerability
SIEM Query:
Search for firmware update events, security state changes, or PSCI command anomalies in system logs