CVE-2025-48503 Overview
A DLL hijacking vulnerability has been identified in the AMD Software Installer that could allow an attacker with local access to achieve privilege escalation, potentially resulting in arbitrary code execution. This vulnerability stems from improper handling of DLL search order (CWE-427), enabling attackers to place malicious DLLs in locations where the installer searches for legitimate libraries.
Critical Impact
Successful exploitation could allow a local attacker with low privileges to escalate to higher privileges and execute arbitrary code in the context of the installer process.
Affected Products
- AMD Software Installer (specific versions not disclosed in advisory)
Discovery Timeline
- 2026-02-11 - CVE-2025-48503 published to NVD
- 2026-02-11 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-48503
Vulnerability Analysis
This DLL hijacking vulnerability exploits the Windows DLL search order mechanism within the AMD Software Installer. When an application loads a DLL without specifying an absolute path, Windows searches for the DLL in a predefined sequence of directories. The AMD Software Installer fails to properly validate or restrict the locations from which it loads required DLLs, creating an opportunity for attackers to inject malicious code.
The vulnerability requires local access to the system and low-level user privileges to exploit. However, because the scope is changed (indicated by the "S:C" in the CVSS vector), a successful attack can impact resources beyond the vulnerable component's security scope. The high impact ratings for confidentiality, integrity, and availability indicate that exploitation could result in complete compromise of system resources.
Root Cause
The root cause is Uncontrolled Search Path Element (CWE-427). The AMD Software Installer does not properly restrict the directories from which it loads DLL files, allowing an attacker to place a malicious DLL in a directory that is searched before the legitimate DLL location. When the installer executes, it loads the attacker-controlled DLL instead of the intended library.
Attack Vector
The attack requires local access to the target system. An attacker must:
- Identify DLLs that the AMD Software Installer attempts to load
- Determine writable directories that appear earlier in the DLL search path
- Place a malicious DLL with the expected filename in one of these directories
- Wait for or trigger the execution of the AMD Software Installer
- The malicious DLL executes with the privileges of the installer process
Due to the high complexity of exploitation (AC:H), the attacker needs to overcome additional challenges such as timing requirements or non-default configurations to successfully exploit this vulnerability.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-48503
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected DLL files appearing in user-writable directories along the AMD Software Installer execution path
- DLL files with names matching AMD installer dependencies located in %TEMP%, %USERPROFILE%, or application directories
- Suspicious process execution originating from the AMD installer with unexpected child processes
- Anomalous file creation events in directories commonly targeted for DLL hijacking attacks
Detection Strategies
- Monitor for DLL loading events from the AMD Software Installer process that originate from non-standard directories
- Implement file integrity monitoring for directories where the AMD installer components reside
- Deploy endpoint detection rules to identify DLL side-loading attempts targeting AMD software
- Review Windows Security Event logs for suspicious module loads (Event ID 7 in Sysmon)
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable enhanced process monitoring with command-line logging for installer execution
- Configure SentinelOne to alert on DLL loads from writable directories by elevated processes
- Implement application allowlisting to prevent unauthorized DLLs from executing
- Monitor for privilege escalation patterns following AMD installer execution
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-48503
Immediate Actions Required
- Review the AMD Security Bulletin #6024 for vendor-specific guidance and patched installer versions
- Download AMD software installers only from official AMD sources
- Verify digital signatures on all AMD installer packages before execution
- Run AMD installers from protected directories with restricted write permissions
- Audit systems for potentially malicious DLLs in common hijacking locations
Patch Information
AMD has published a security bulletin addressing this vulnerability. Organizations should consult AMD Security Bulletin #6024 for specific patch information, updated installer versions, and remediation guidance.
Workarounds
- Execute the AMD Software Installer from a secure, administrator-controlled directory with restricted write access
- Clear temporary directories (%TEMP%, %TMP%) before running the installer
- Use application control solutions to prevent unauthorized DLL execution
- Run the installer in a restricted environment or sandbox when possible
- Ensure the current working directory does not contain untrusted DLL files before execution
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
