CVE-2025-14605 is a vulnerability classified under CWE-427 (Uncontrolled Search Path Element) found in Altera Quartus Prime Pro software running on Windows, specifically within its System Console modules. The issue arises because the software does not securely control the order in which it searches for executable modules or libraries, allowing an attacker to influence the search path. This can lead to search order hijacking, where a malicious actor places a crafted executable or DLL in a location that the software searches before the legitimate one, causing the malicious code to be loaded and executed. The affected versions range from 17.0 through 25.1.1, covering a broad span of releases. The CVSS 4.0 vector indicates a local attack vector (AV:L), high attack complexity (AC:H), partial user interaction (UI:A), and requires privileges (PR:L), with high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability (C:H, I:H, A:H). No public exploits have been reported, but the vulnerability poses a risk in environments where attackers can gain local access or trick users into executing malicious files. The vulnerability is particularly relevant for organizations involved in FPGA design and hardware development using Quartus Prime Pro, as exploitation could lead to unauthorized code execution, data leakage, or disruption of critical design workflows.

For European organizations, especially those in the semiconductor, electronics, and hardware design sectors, this vulnerability could lead to significant operational disruptions. Unauthorized code execution could compromise sensitive intellectual property related to FPGA designs and hardware configurations, impacting confidentiality. Integrity of design files and build processes could be altered, leading to flawed hardware products or backdoored devices. Availability of design tools and workflows may be affected if malicious code causes crashes or system instability. Given the local access requirement, insider threats or attackers with limited physical or remote access could exploit this vulnerability. The medium severity rating reflects the complexity and partial user interaction needed, but the potential damage to critical design infrastructure elevates the risk profile for affected organizations. This could also impact supply chain security if compromised design tools propagate vulnerabilities into hardware products.

Organizations should implement strict controls on environment variables and system PATH settings to prevent unauthorized directories from being searched by Quartus Prime Pro. Restrict write permissions on directories included in the search path to trusted administrators only. Employ application whitelisting and code integrity verification to detect and block unauthorized executables or DLLs. Monitor system and application logs for unusual loading of modules or unexpected file executions. Since no official patches are currently linked, maintain close communication with the vendor (Altera) for updates and apply patches promptly once released. Educate users about the risks of executing untrusted files and enforce least privilege principles to limit the ability of attackers to place malicious files. Consider running Quartus Prime Pro in isolated or sandboxed environments to reduce the impact of potential exploitation. Regularly audit and update software versions to stay ahead of vulnerabilities.