CVE-2020-12981 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

An insufficient input validation in the AMD Graphics Driver for Windows 10 may allow unprivileged users to unload the driver, potentially causing memory corruptions in high privileged processes, which can lead to escalation of privileges or denial of service.

Understanding CVE-2020-12981

This CVE involves an insufficient input validation issue in the AMD Graphics Driver for Windows 10, potentially leading to privilege escalation or denial of service.

What is CVE-2020-12981?

CVE-2020-12981 is a vulnerability in the AMD Graphics Driver for Windows 10 that could be exploited by unprivileged users to unload the driver, resulting in memory corruptions in high privileged processes.

The Impact of CVE-2020-12981

The vulnerability could allow attackers to escalate privileges or cause denial of service by manipulating the driver in Windows 10 systems.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-12981

This section provides more technical insights into the CVE.

Vulnerability Description

Type: Insufficient input validation
Target: AMD Graphics Driver for Windows 10
Risk: Privilege escalation and denial of service

Affected Systems and Versions

Affected Products: AMD Radeon Software, Radeon Pro Software for Enterprise
Vulnerable Versions:
Radeon Software: < 20.7.1
Radeon Pro Software for Enterprise: < 21.Q2

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability allows unprivileged users to manipulate the driver, leading to memory corruptions in high privileged processes.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protect your systems from CVE-2020-12981 with these mitigation strategies.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update to the latest version of AMD Radeon Software and Radeon Pro Software for Enterprise
Monitor system logs for any unusual driver unloading activities

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement the principle of least privilege for user accounts
Regularly review and update security configurations

Patching and Updates

Apply security patches provided by AMD promptly to address the vulnerability