CVE-2025-13664 is a vulnerability classified under CWE-427 (Uncontrolled Search Path Element) affecting Altera's Quartus Prime Standard Edition version 17.0. This vulnerability arises when the software improperly handles the search path for loading resources or executables, allowing an attacker to influence which binaries or libraries are loaded during execution. By inserting malicious files into the search path, a local attacker with limited privileges can escalate their privileges within the system. The vulnerability requires local access and user interaction, with a high attack complexity, meaning the attacker must convince a user to perform some action or exploit a specific environment configuration. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 6.7, reflecting medium severity with impacts on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The vulnerability could lead to unauthorized code execution with elevated privileges, potentially compromising sensitive design data or disrupting development workflows. No patches or public exploits are currently available, but the issue is publicly disclosed and should be addressed proactively. The vulnerability is particularly relevant for organizations involved in FPGA design and semiconductor development using Quartus Prime Standard Edition 17.0, as it may expose critical intellectual property or disrupt production environments.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk to entities involved in semiconductor design, embedded systems, and critical infrastructure sectors that rely on Altera Quartus Prime Standard Edition 17.0. Successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized access to proprietary design files, manipulation of FPGA configurations, or disruption of development pipelines, impacting confidentiality, integrity, and availability of critical assets. This could result in intellectual property theft, production delays, or compromised hardware designs, which are particularly sensitive in defense, automotive, and telecommunications industries prevalent in Europe. The requirement for local access and user interaction limits remote exploitation but does not eliminate risk in environments where multiple users share development systems or where insider threats exist. The absence of known exploits reduces immediate risk but underscores the need for vigilance and proactive mitigation to prevent future attacks.

1. Restrict user permissions on systems running Quartus Prime Standard Edition 17.0 to minimize the ability of low-privileged users to modify environment variables or place malicious files in search paths. 2. Implement strict control and validation of environment variables such as PATH, ensuring they do not include untrusted directories. 3. Use application whitelisting and integrity verification tools to detect unauthorized changes to binaries or libraries loaded by Quartus. 4. Isolate build and design environments using virtual machines or containers to limit the impact of potential exploitation. 5. Educate users about the risks of executing untrusted files or scripts and enforce policies to reduce user interaction risks. 6. Monitor vendor communications closely for patches or updates addressing this vulnerability and apply them promptly once available. 7. Conduct regular security audits and penetration testing focusing on local privilege escalation vectors within development environments. 8. Employ endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to identify suspicious activities related to path manipulation or privilege escalation attempts.