CVE-2023-20514: AMD Secure Processor RCE Vulnerability

CVE-2023-20514 Overview

CVE-2023-20514 is a high-severity vulnerability affecting the AMD Secure Processor (ASP) that stems from improper handling of parameters. This flaw allows a privileged attacker to pass arbitrary memory values to functions within the trusted execution environment (TEE), ultimately enabling arbitrary code execution at the firmware level.

The AMD Secure Processor is a dedicated security subsystem integrated into AMD processors that handles sensitive operations including secure boot, cryptographic key management, and trusted platform module (TPM) functionality. Compromising this component allows attackers to bypass hardware-level security controls and gain persistent access that survives operating system reinstallation.

Critical Impact

A privileged attacker can achieve arbitrary code execution within the AMD Secure Processor's trusted execution environment, potentially compromising hardware-level security controls, cryptographic operations, and secure boot mechanisms.

Affected Products

• AMD Secure Processor (ASP) enabled processors
• AMD embedded and automotive processor platforms
• Systems utilizing AMD Platform Security Processor (PSP)

Discovery Timeline

• 2026-02-11 - CVE CVE-2023-20514 published to NVD
• 2026-02-11 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2023-20514

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability is classified under CWE-233 (Improper Handling of Parameters), which occurs when a function or API does not properly validate or sanitize input parameters before processing them. In the context of the AMD Secure Processor, this improper handling allows attackers with elevated privileges to manipulate memory values that are subsequently passed to sensitive functions within the trusted execution environment.

The attack requires local access and high privileges on the target system, but the complexity of exploitation is relatively low once these prerequisites are met. The impact is severe across confidentiality, integrity, and availability, with the potential to affect components beyond the immediate scope of the vulnerable system.

Root Cause

The root cause lies in insufficient parameter validation within the AMD Secure Processor firmware. When handling function calls from the host system to the TEE, the ASP fails to properly verify that memory addresses and values passed as parameters are within expected bounds and contexts. This allows an attacker to craft malicious parameters that point to or contain arbitrary memory values.

The vulnerability specifically affects the interface between the host operating system's privileged context and the ASP's trusted execution environment, where parameter sanitization is critical to maintaining the security boundary.

Attack Vector

The attack vector is local, requiring the attacker to have high privileges on the target system (such as ring-0 kernel access or administrative rights). The exploitation process involves:

1. Gaining privileged access to the host system
2. Crafting malicious parameter values targeting ASP function interfaces
3. Invoking ASP functions with manipulated memory references
4. Achieving arbitrary code execution within the trusted execution environment

No proof-of-concept exploit code is publicly available for this vulnerability. The attack mechanism involves manipulating the communication interface between the host system and the AMD Secure Processor, specifically by passing crafted memory values through ASP function calls that fail to validate input parameters properly. For detailed technical information, refer to the AMD Security Bulletin #6024.

Detection Methods for CVE-2023-20514

Indicators of Compromise

• Unusual activity targeting AMD PSP/ASP driver interfaces or IOCTL calls
• Suspicious kernel-mode operations attempting to interact with secure processor functions
• Anomalous memory access patterns in proximity to ASP communication channels
• Unexpected firmware modifications or secure boot integrity failures

Detection Strategies

• Monitor for suspicious access to AMD Platform Security Processor driver interfaces
• Implement kernel-level monitoring for unusual IOCTL calls to ASP-related device drivers
• Deploy endpoint detection solutions capable of monitoring firmware and TEE interactions
• Enable and review secure boot attestation logs for integrity violations

Monitoring Recommendations

• Configure security information and event management (SIEM) rules to alert on ASP driver access from unexpected processes
• Implement host-based intrusion detection monitoring for kernel-mode privilege escalation attempts
• Review AMD PSP-related Windows events and Linux kernel logs for anomalous activity
• Deploy SentinelOne agents with firmware monitoring capabilities enabled

How to Mitigate CVE-2023-20514

Immediate Actions Required

• Review AMD security bulletins and apply the latest BIOS/UEFI firmware updates from your system vendor
• Restrict administrative and kernel-mode privileges to essential personnel only
• Implement strict access controls on systems with AMD Secure Processor functionality
• Enable secure boot and verify TPM attestation is functioning correctly

Patch Information

AMD has published security advisories addressing this vulnerability. System administrators should consult the AMD Security Bulletin #6024 and the AMD Embedded/Automotive Security Bulletin for specific firmware update guidance.

Firmware updates are typically distributed through OEM partners and system vendors. Contact your hardware vendor for the appropriate BIOS/UEFI updates that address CVE-2023-20514.

Workarounds

• Implement strict principle of least privilege to limit the number of accounts with administrative access
• Deploy application whitelisting to prevent unauthorized kernel-mode drivers from loading
• Enable virtualization-based security (VBS) and Credential Guard where supported
• Segment high-security workloads from potentially compromised systems

# Verify AMD PSP driver version on Linux
dmesg | grep -i "amd.*psp\|ccp"

# Check for available firmware updates (vendor-specific)
fwupdmgr get-updates

# Restrict access to PSP device interface
chmod 600 /dev/ccp