CVE-2020-12986 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

An insufficient pointer validation vulnerability in the AMD Graphics Driver for Windows 10 may cause arbitrary code execution in the kernel, leading to escalation of privilege or denial of service.

Understanding CVE-2020-12986

This CVE-2020-12986 advisory was published on November 9, 2021, by AMD.

What is CVE-2020-12986?

CVE-2020-12986 is an insufficient pointer validation vulnerability in the AMD Graphics Driver for Windows 10 that could result in arbitrary code execution in the kernel, potentially leading to privilege escalation or denial of service.

The Impact of CVE-2020-12986

The vulnerability could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code in the kernel, which may lead to serious consequences such as privilege escalation or denial of service attacks.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-12986

This section provides more technical insights into the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability lies in the AMD Graphics Driver for Windows 10 due to insufficient pointer validation, which could be exploited by attackers.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: AMD Radeon Software
Vendor: AMD
Versions Affected:
Radeon Software: Less than 20.7.1
Radeon Pro Software for Enterprise: Less than 21.Q2

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code in the kernel, potentially leading to privilege escalation or denial of service.

Mitigation and Prevention

It is crucial to take immediate steps to mitigate the risks posed by CVE-2020-12986.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update the affected AMD Radeon Software to versions 20.7.1 or higher.
Update the affected Radeon Pro Software for Enterprise to version 21.Q2 or higher.
Monitor for any unusual activities on the system.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update all software and drivers to the latest versions.
Implement strong access controls and least privilege principles.
Conduct regular security assessments and penetration testing.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security bulletins and updates from AMD.
Apply patches and updates promptly to address known vulnerabilities.