CVE-2018-8934

The Promontory chipset, as used in AMD Ryzen and Ryzen Pro platforms, has a backdoor in firmware, aka CHIMERA-FW

published March 22, 2018

CVSS
—
EPSS
2%
Percentile
77.5
In the wild
Unconfirmed
What it is

🚨 There's a backdoor hiding in the firmware of AMD Ryzen chipsets, and it’s known as CHIMERA-FW! 🔥 Think of it like a secret entrance in a hotel that only certain staff know about—while guests feel secure, someone could easily sneak in through that hidden door without a hitch. If exploited, this backdoor could allow unauthorized access, potentially compromising sensitive data and system integrity. While it’s not actively being exploited right now, the mere existence of a backdoor is concerning and could lead to significant security threats down the line.

Put simply

Think of it like a secret entrance in a hotel that only certain staff know about—while guests feel secure, someone could easily sneak in through that hidden door without a hitch. CVE-2018-8934 highlights a backdoor vulnerability in the firmware of the Promontory chipset used in AMD Ryzen and Ryzen Pro platforms. This vulnerability allows malicious actors to bypass standard security protocols, presenting a serious risk.

What to do

If exploited, this backdoor could allow unauthorized access, potentially compromising sensitive data and system integrity. While it’s not actively being exploited right now, the mere existence of a backdoor is concerning and could lead to significant security threats down the line. While there's no active exploitation reported, it's crucial to stay vigilant. Regularly update your firmware to the latest versions released by AMD and monitor any security advisories that may arise. Consider implementing additional security measures to mitigate potential threats. You’ve got this! Stay informed and proactive, and you’ll keep your systems safe. 🛡️

The record
Technical detail
CVSS
Not scored
CVSS v4.0
Not supplied
EPSS
0.01750 · 77.5th percentile
Published
2018-03-22T14:00Z
EPSS history
Timeline
  • 22 MAR 14:00Z
    The Promontory chipset, as used in AMD Ryzen and Ryzen Pro platforms, has a backdoor in firmware, aka CHIMERA-FW
    cvelistv5