CVE-2024-56161:CVE-2024-56161 is a vulnerability in AMD CPU ROM microcode patch loader that could allow an attacker with local administrator privilege to load malicious CPU microcode, leading to loss of confidentiality and integrity of a confidential guest running under AMD SEV-SNP.

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The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-56161 involves improper signature verification in the AMD CPU ROM microcode patch loader. This flaw could be exploited by a local attacker with administrator privileges to load malicious CPU microcode, potentially compromising the confidentiality and integrity of a confidential guest operating under AMD SEV-SNP.

Overview

  • CVE ID: CVE-2024-56161
  • CVSS Score: 7.2 (High)
    • Attack Vector: Local
    • Attack Complexity: High
    • Privileges Required: High
    • User Interaction: None
    • Scope: Changed
    • Confidentiality Impact: High
    • Integrity Impact: High
    • Availability Impact: None
  • Problem Type: CWE-347 - Improper Verification of Cryptographic Signature
  • Description: Improper signature verification in AMD CPU ROM microcode patch loader may allow an attacker with local administrator privilege to load malicious CPU microcode resulting in loss of confidentiality and integrity of a confidential guest running under AMD SEV-SNP.

Remediation

To mitigate the vulnerability associated with CVE-2024-56161, it is recommended to apply the following remediation steps:

  1. Update the affected AMD CPU ROM microcode patch loader to a secure version that includes proper signature verification mechanisms.
  2. Regularly monitor and apply security patches provided by AMD to address known vulnerabilities in the microcode loader.
  3. Implement strict access controls to limit the privileges of local administrators who can interact with the microcode loader.
  4. Follow best practices for securing confidential guest environments running under AMD SEV-SNP to minimize the impact of potential attacks leveraging this vulnerability.

References

  1. AMD Security Bulletin: https://www.amd.com/en/resources/product-security/bulletin/amd-sb-3019.html
  2. Openwall Mailing List - OSS Security: http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2025/02/04/1
  3. Debian LTS Announce Mailing List: https://lists.debian.org/debian-lts-announce/2025/03/msg00024.html
  4. AMD Security Bulletin: https://www.amd.com/en/resources/product-security/bulletin/amd-sb-7033.html

Industry ExposureMost to least
This section illustrates the prevalence of a specific Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) across various industries based on customer reports. The ranking displays industries from the most to least affected by this particular vulnerability, offering valuable insight into where this CVE has been most frequently observed. This information can help organizations within these sectors prioritize their security efforts, understand their relative risk exposure compared to their peers, and focus remediation strategies where they are most needed. By understanding the industry-specific impact, organizations can make more informed decisions regarding patching, resource allocation, and overall risk management related to this CVE.

  1. Manufacturing
    Manufacturing
  2. Public Administration
    Public Administration
  3. Finance and Insurance
    Finance and Insurance
  4. Health Care & Social Assistance
    Health Care & Social Assistance
  5. Management of Companies & Enterprises
    Management of Companies & Enterprises
  6. Utilities
    Utilities
  7. Arts, Entertainment & Recreation
    Arts, Entertainment & Recreation
  8. Educational Services
    Educational Services
  9. Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services
    Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services
  10. Retail Trade
    Retail Trade
  11. Transportation & Warehousing
    Transportation & Warehousing
  12. Accommodation & Food Services
    Accommodation & Food Services
  13. Administrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation Services
    Administrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation Services
  14. Agriculture, Forestry Fishing & Hunting
    Agriculture, Forestry Fishing & Hunting
  15. Construction
    Construction
  16. Information
    Information
  17. Mining
    Mining
  18. Other Services (except Public Administration)
    Other Services (except Public Administration)
  19. Real Estate Rental & Leasing
    Real Estate Rental & Leasing
  20. Wholesale Trade
    Wholesale Trade

Focus on What Matters

  1. See Everything.
  2. Identify True Risk.
  3. Proactively Mitigate Threats.

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