In an official press release, AMD announced that at the end of last year, certain intellectual property related to current and future graphics developments was stolen from it. Shortly after this, the Torrentfreak resource specified that the source code for the Big Navi and Arden GPUs was stolen from AMD, and now the attacker is trying to find a buyer for this data.
AMD has reportedly filed at least two claims of copyright infringement regarding repositories hosted on Github that contained portions of the stolen source code for the Navi 10, Navi 21, and Arden GPUs. The latter is the GPU of Microsoft's upcoming Xbox Series X console, while Navi 21 is also known as Big Navi and is the flagship GPU based on the RDNA 2 architecture.
Github deleted these repositories after AMDβs statements, but there are other sources, for example, the well-known 4chan resource, where some of the leaked information is also posted. The resource Torrentfreak reports that it was able to contact the hacker who stole the codes, and she predicts that the cost of the information could reach up to $100 million. If no buyers are found, the hacker promised that she would simply make the stolen information publicly available. However, she emphasized that the source codes were found in unencrypted form on an AMD computer or server hacked using exploits.
AMD insists that the information leak will not affect the competitiveness or safety of its products, and that it is taking appropriate legal action to correct the situation, including working with law enforcement officials. The company also notes that it is not aware that the criminal had any other data other than those indicated.
In fact, stolen source codes can be quite damaging to AMD. Firstly, they can actually find a buyer. Obviously, AMD's direct competitors will most likely disdain this method of obtaining information. But some developers from China may well be interested in this intellectual property, which will allow them, based on the data obtained, to develop some βlocalβ clones of AMD Navi GPUs. Secondly, the theft of source code can lead to big problems with the security of GPUs, identification of critical vulnerabilities and related troubles. In general, the situation is not easy for AMD.
Source: 3dnews.ru