CVE-2020-12138 : Security Advisory and Response

AMD ATI atillk64.sys 5.11.9.0 allows low-privileged users to interact directly with physical memory, potentially leading to privilege escalation.

Understanding CVE-2020-12138

This CVE involves a vulnerability in AMD ATI atillk64.sys driver that could allow unauthorized users to gain elevated privileges.

What is CVE-2020-12138?

The vulnerability in the AMD ATI atillk64.sys driver permits low-privileged users to access physical memory directly, potentially enabling them to escalate their privileges to NT AUTHORITY\SYSTEM level through specific driver routines.

The Impact of CVE-2020-12138

Exploitation of this vulnerability could result in unauthorized users gaining elevated system privileges, posing a significant security risk to affected systems.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-12138

This section provides more in-depth technical information about the CVE.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability allows low-privileged users to interact with physical memory by invoking certain driver routines, which map physical memory into the virtual address space of the calling process.

Affected Systems and Versions

Affected System: AMD ATI atillk64.sys 5.11.9.0
Versions: All versions containing the vulnerable driver

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by calling specific driver routines like MmMapIoSpace, IoAllocateMdl, MmBuildMdlForNonPagedPool, or MmMapLockedPages to achieve unauthorized access to physical memory.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from this vulnerability requires immediate action and long-term security measures.

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply security patches provided by the vendor promptly.
Monitor system logs for any suspicious activities.
Restrict access to critical system components.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement the principle of least privilege to restrict user access rights.
Regularly update and patch system components to address known vulnerabilities.
Conduct security training for users to raise awareness of potential threats.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates released by AMD for the affected driver.
Apply patches as soon as they are available to mitigate the risk of exploitation.