AMD Releases Chipset Driver with CET Security for Ryzen CPUs

In an exciting development for PC enthusiasts and security-conscious users alike, AMD has rolled out a new chipset driver for its Ryzen series, notably support for the 9000, 8000, 7000, 5000, and even 3000 series CPUs. This driver, version 6.10.17.152, is particularly significant as it introduces compatibility with Microsoft's latest Control-flow Enforcement Technology (CET), enhancing the security posture of these systems running on Windows 10 and Windows 11.

What’s New in the Update?​

The driver update focuses heavily on security, specifically bringing Control-flow Enforcement Technology (CET) to the forefront. This technology is designed to defend against sophisticated attack vectors such as Return Oriented Programming (ROP) and Call or Jump Oriented Programming (COP/JOP). By incorporating the Shadow Stack feature, CET ensures the integrity of return addresses to thwart malware attempts to hijack legitimate process flows.

Key Features of CET:​

• Shadow Stack: Protects against ROP attacks by enforcing a secondary stack that securely stores return addresses.
• Indirect Branch Targeting (IBT): Minimizes the risk of indirect branch target injection attacks.

These features work in tandem, allowing the CPU to validate return addresses against a secure copy stored in hardware, effectively thwarting attempts at control hijacking. The stronger the military analogy, the better here — it’s like a heavily fortified archive that ensures enemy forces (malware) cannot simply slip in and change the operations of a trusted ally (your legitimate software).

Drivers and Compatibility​

AMD Ryzen processors from the Zen 3 architecture and onward, notably the Ryzen 5000, 6000, 7000, and 9000 series, are compatible with this new security feature. For users wondering how this affects their hardware, it reinforces that AMD is committed to maintaining a secure ecosystem for their processors.

Additional Updates:​

• The driver update also includes several bug fixes and the introduction of new device IDs, essential for ensuring smooth driver functionality across various hardware setups.
• Unfortunately, users will find that some known issues remain unresolved, including a failed uninstallation bug that AMD has not yet been able to address. Users should also be aware of a lingering bug relating to the provisioning package (PPKG) installation process.

The Full Changelog​

In summary, here’s a breakdown of what to expect:

• New Features: CET Shadow Stack support for various chipset components.
• Driver Changes: Specified updates for drivers related to GPIO, PMF, I2C, and UART, with CET support added.
• Bug Fixes: Various bug fixes to enhance overall device stability.

Detailed Changes:​

Driver Component	Windows 10 Version	Windows 11 Version	Change
AMD Ryzen Power Plan	8.0.0.13	8.0.0.13	No change
AMD I2C Driver	1.2.0.126	1.2.0.126	CETCOMPAT support added
AMD UART Driver	1.2.0.119	1.2.0.119	CETCOMPAT support added
AMD GPIO2 Driver	2.2.0.134	2.2.0.134	CETCOMPAT support added
AMD 3D V-Cache Performance Optimizer Driver	1.0.0.9	1.0.0.9	No change

This meticulous attention to detail shows AMD's commitment to enhancing both functionality and security for its users, ensuring that as they upgrade their hardware, they also equip themselves with better protection against the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity threats.

Conclusion​

This latest chipset driver from AMD not only highlights the company’s innovation in processor architecture but also reflects a broader trend in the tech industry toward bolstering security through foundational hardware features. As Windows users, especially those on Windows 10 and 11, implementing this update is crucial for safeguarding your systems against increasingly sophisticated threats.
You can download the updated driver from AMD's official website. As a friendly reminder, users should note that Windows 10 is no longer supported on the latest generation of AMD mobile chips, so users may want to consider upgrading their operating systems to maintain compatibility and security.
As always, stay tuned for more updates and don't forget to check back for additional information on optimizing your Windows experience!
Source: Neowin AMD releases new Windows 11/10 chipset driver for Ryzen 9000, 8000, 7000, 5000, 3000, more