CVE-2025-13665 identifies a DLL planting vulnerability (CWE-427) in the System Console Utility component of Altera Quartus Prime Standard version 17.0 on Windows platforms. DLL planting occurs when an application loads dynamic link libraries from directories that can be influenced by an attacker, allowing malicious DLLs to be loaded instead of legitimate ones. In this case, the System Console Utility does not properly control the search path for DLLs, enabling an attacker with low privileges to place a malicious DLL in a directory that the utility searches before the trusted system directories. When the utility is executed, it loads the attacker's DLL, resulting in arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the utility. The vulnerability requires local access and some user interaction, such as running the utility or opening a project that triggers the DLL load. The CVSS 4.0 vector indicates attack vector as local (AV:L), high attack complexity (AC:H), partial attack prerequisites (AT:P), low privileges required (PR:L), user interaction required (UI:A), and high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability (C:H, I:H, A:H). No patches or known exploits are currently available, but the vulnerability is publicly disclosed and should be addressed promptly. This vulnerability poses a significant risk to organizations using Quartus Prime Standard 17.0 for FPGA and semiconductor design, as it could allow attackers to compromise design environments and intellectual property.

For European organizations, particularly those involved in semiconductor design, electronics manufacturing, and embedded systems development, this vulnerability could lead to unauthorized code execution within critical design tools. This may result in theft or manipulation of intellectual property, insertion of malicious logic into hardware designs, or disruption of development workflows. The confidentiality of proprietary designs and trade secrets is at risk, as is the integrity of the hardware design process. Availability of the design environment could also be compromised, causing delays and operational impact. Since exploitation requires local access and user interaction, insider threats or compromised endpoints pose the greatest risk. The medium severity rating reflects the balance between exploitation difficulty and potential damage. However, given the strategic importance of semiconductor and electronics sectors in Europe, the impact could be significant if exploited in targeted attacks.

European organizations should implement the following specific mitigations: 1) Restrict write permissions on directories included in the DLL search path to prevent unauthorized DLL placement. 2) Run the System Console Utility with the least privileges necessary, avoiding administrative rights. 3) Use application whitelisting and endpoint detection to monitor and block unauthorized DLL loads. 4) Educate users to avoid running untrusted projects or utilities without verification. 5) Employ Windows security features such as SafeDllSearchMode to prioritize system directories in DLL loading. 6) Monitor file system changes in directories related to Quartus Prime installations. 7) Isolate development environments to limit local access to trusted personnel only. 8) Stay alert for vendor patches or updates addressing this vulnerability and apply them promptly once available. 9) Consider using virtualization or sandboxing to contain potential exploitation. These measures go beyond generic advice by focusing on controlling DLL search paths and minimizing local attack surface specific to this vulnerability.