AMD Ryzen DLL Hijacking Vulnerability Allows Attackers to Execute Arbitrary Code

Cybersecurity researchers have discovered a high-risk vulnerability in the AMD Ryzen™ Master Utility software. Identified as CVE-2024-21966, this flaw allows attackers to execute malicious code on a system and escalate their privileges.

This vulnerability is classified as DLL Hijacking and has received a CVSS score of 7.3, making it a significant security threat.

AMD Ryzen™ Master Utility is a specialized software tool designed to optimize the performance of AMD Ryzen™ processors. It provides users with features for overclocking, system monitoring, and adjusting various system settings.

However, researchers found that the software does not perform sufficient security checks when loading dynamic libraries, enabling attackers to replace legitimate DLL files with malicious versions.

An attacker can place a malicious DLL file in a directory that Ryzen Master Utility accesses. The application, believing it to be a legitimate library, loads and executes it.

✅ The malicious DLL executes arbitrary code with the same privileges as the application.
✅ If the DLL is loaded with system privileges, the attacker could gain full control over the system.
✅ This could result in data theft, malware installation, and total system compromise.

Security researchers from Pwni discovered this vulnerability and responsibly disclosed it to AMD under a coordinated disclosure process. AMD acknowledged the issue and swiftly worked on releasing a patched version of the software.

Potential Risks of CVE-2024-21966

🔹 Privilege Escalation – Attackers can gain administrator or even kernel-level access to the system.
🔹 Unauthorized Access to Sensitive Data – Hackers may steal personal or corporate information.
🔹 System Instability – Malicious code execution could crash the operating system or critical services.

📌 This vulnerability affects all versions of AMD Ryzen™ Master Utility prior to 2.14.0.3205.

AMD’s Security Fix

AMD has released an updated version (2.14.0.3205) with the following security improvements:

✔ Enhanced validation mechanisms for dynamically loaded libraries.
✔ Strengthened protection against DLL Hijacking attacks.

How to Protect Your System?

✅ Update Your Software – Download and install the latest AMD Ryzen™ Master Utility version from AMD’s official website.
✅ Avoid Running Untrusted Applications – Use only verified and secure software.
✅ Keep Your System and Drivers Updated – Regular updates help prevent vulnerabilities.
✅ Monitor DLL Loading Directories – Ensure that all dynamically loaded libraries are secure.
✅ Restrict Administrative Privileges – Grant high-level access only to necessary users.

Similar Vulnerabilities in AMD Products

🔹 CVE-2023-31361 – A security flaw found in AMD Integrated Management Technology (AIM-T) Manageability Service.
🔹 CVE-2023-31348 – A vulnerability discovered in AMD μProf.

These incidents highlight broader security issues in AMD’s handling of dynamic library loading, emphasizing the need for stricter security measures in future software releases.

Conclusion

CVE-2024-21966 is a critical security vulnerability in AMD Ryzen™ Master Utility that allows attackers to execute malicious code and gain elevated privileges on affected systems.

AMD has released a patch, and all users are strongly advised to update their software immediately to safeguard their systems.

✅ Security is an ongoing process.
By regularly updating your software, avoiding untrusted sources, and following best cybersecurity practices, you can protect yourself from such threats! 🛡