CVE-2025-48518 Overview
CVE-2025-48518 is an improper input validation vulnerability in the AMD Graphics Driver that could allow a local attacker to perform an out-of-bounds write operation. This vulnerability affects systems running AMD graphics hardware with vulnerable driver versions, potentially resulting in loss of data integrity or denial of service conditions.
Critical Impact
A local attacker with low privileges can exploit improper input validation in the AMD Graphics Driver to write data outside allocated memory boundaries, potentially corrupting system memory or causing system instability.
Affected Products
- AMD Graphics Driver (specific versions not disclosed)
- Systems with AMD graphics hardware running vulnerable driver versions
Discovery Timeline
- 2026-02-11 - CVE CVE-2025-48518 published to NVD
- 2026-02-11 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-48518
Vulnerability Analysis
This vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the AMD Graphics Driver, classified as CWE-787 (Out-of-bounds Write). The driver fails to properly validate user-supplied input before using it in memory write operations, allowing an attacker to write data beyond the boundaries of allocated buffers.
Out-of-bounds write vulnerabilities in graphics drivers are particularly concerning because these drivers operate at a privileged level within the operating system kernel. While successful exploitation requires local access to the system, the vulnerability could be chained with other attack techniques to escalate privileges or destabilize the target system.
Root Cause
The root cause of this vulnerability is improper input validation (CWE-787) in the AMD Graphics Driver. When processing certain input data, the driver does not adequately verify that write operations remain within the bounds of allocated memory regions. This allows malicious input to cause writes to unintended memory locations, potentially corrupting adjacent data structures or causing system instability.
Attack Vector
The attack vector for CVE-2025-48518 requires local access to the target system. An attacker with low-level privileges can craft malicious input that triggers the out-of-bounds write condition when processed by the AMD Graphics Driver. The vulnerability does not require user interaction to exploit.
The exploitation mechanism involves sending specially crafted data to the graphics driver through system interfaces that do not properly validate input boundaries. When the driver processes this malicious input, it performs write operations outside the intended memory buffer, leading to memory corruption.
For detailed technical information about this vulnerability, refer to the AMD Security Bulletin #6024.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-48518
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected system crashes or blue screen of death (BSOD) events related to AMD graphics driver components
- Anomalous memory access patterns in kernel-level monitoring tools
- System instability or graphics rendering issues following suspicious local activity
- Unexpected modifications to graphics driver memory regions
Detection Strategies
- Monitor for unusual interactions with AMD graphics driver interfaces
- Implement kernel-level integrity monitoring to detect out-of-bounds memory operations
- Use endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to identify exploitation attempts targeting graphics drivers
- Deploy application whitelisting to prevent unauthorized programs from interacting with driver interfaces
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable Windows Driver Verifier for AMD graphics driver components during testing
- Monitor system event logs for driver-related crash events and memory violations
- Implement behavioral analysis to detect unusual patterns in graphics driver interactions
- Regularly audit installed driver versions against known vulnerable versions
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-48518
Immediate Actions Required
- Review the AMD Security Bulletin #6024 for specific patch and remediation guidance
- Update AMD Graphics Drivers to the latest patched version as specified in the security bulletin
- Implement the principle of least privilege to limit local user access where possible
- Monitor systems for unusual graphics driver activity while awaiting patch deployment
Patch Information
AMD has released security updates to address this vulnerability. Administrators should consult the AMD Security Bulletin #6024 for specific patch downloads and installation instructions. Ensure all systems with AMD graphics hardware are updated to the latest driver version that addresses CVE-2025-48518.
Workarounds
- Restrict local access to systems with AMD graphics hardware to trusted users only
- Implement application control policies to limit programs that can interact with graphics driver interfaces
- Monitor and log all local user activity on affected systems
- Consider disabling non-essential graphics features if operationally feasible until patches can be applied
# Check current AMD driver version on Windows (PowerShell)
Get-WmiObject Win32_PnPSignedDriver | Where-Object {$_.DeviceName -like "*AMD*" -or $_.DeviceName -like "*Radeon*"} | Select-Object DeviceName, DriverVersion
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
