CVE-2025-13664 identifies a vulnerability classified under CWE-427 (Uncontrolled Search Path Element) in Altera's Quartus Prime Standard Edition version 17.0. This vulnerability occurs when the software improperly handles the search path for loading libraries or executables, allowing an attacker to influence which code is executed by placing malicious files in directories that are searched before the intended trusted locations. The consequence is a potential escalation of privilege, where an attacker with low-level access and requiring user interaction could execute arbitrary code with higher privileges. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 6.7, reflecting medium severity, with attack vector local (AV:L), attack complexity high (AC:H), privileges required low (PR:L), user interaction required (UI:R), and high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability (C:H/I:H/A:H). No patches are currently linked, and no known exploits have been reported in the wild, indicating the vulnerability is newly disclosed and may require vendor action. The vulnerability's root cause is the software's failure to securely manage the search path environment, which is a common vector for DLL hijacking or similar attacks. This flaw can be exploited in environments where users have local access and can influence the file system or environment variables, making it particularly relevant for development and engineering workstations running Quartus Prime Standard 17.0.

For European organizations, especially those involved in semiconductor design, embedded systems, and hardware development, this vulnerability poses a risk of local privilege escalation, potentially allowing attackers to gain unauthorized control over critical design environments. Compromise of Quartus Prime workstations could lead to intellectual property theft, tampering with hardware designs, or disruption of development workflows. The impact extends to confidentiality (exposure of proprietary designs), integrity (modification of design files or build processes), and availability (denial of service through system instability). Since exploitation requires local access and user interaction, the threat is more significant in environments with shared workstations or insufficient endpoint security controls. The lack of known exploits provides a window for proactive mitigation, but the medium severity score indicates that successful exploitation could have serious consequences for organizations relying on this software.

1. Restrict file system permissions on directories involved in the search path to prevent unauthorized file placement or modification. 2. Implement application whitelisting and integrity monitoring on development workstations to detect unauthorized changes to executable paths or libraries. 3. Educate users to avoid executing untrusted files or opening suspicious prompts that could trigger the vulnerability. 4. Monitor environment variables and system PATH configurations to ensure they do not include insecure or user-writable directories. 5. Isolate Quartus Prime Standard Edition workstations from untrusted networks and limit local user privileges where possible. 6. Engage with the vendor (Altera) for official patches or updates addressing this vulnerability and apply them promptly once available. 7. Employ endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools to identify anomalous behavior indicative of exploitation attempts. 8. Regularly audit and update security policies related to software development environments to minimize attack surface.