CVE-2025-20023 is a medium-severity vulnerability affecting Intel(R) Graphics Driver software installers. The core issue stems from incorrect default permissions set on certain installer components, which may allow an authenticated user with local access to escalate their privileges on the affected system. Specifically, the vulnerability requires that the attacker already has some level of authenticated access (low privileges) and involves local interaction with the system. The CVSS 4.0 vector indicates a local attack vector (AV:L), high attack complexity (AC:H), partial authentication required (AT:P), low privileges required (PR:L), and user interaction needed (UI:A). The impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability is rated as high (VC:H, VI:H, VA:H), meaning successful exploitation could significantly compromise system security. However, the vulnerability does not involve network access or remote exploitation, limiting its scope to local users. There are no known exploits in the wild at this time, and no patch links were provided in the data. The vulnerability was published in August 2025, with the reservation date in October 2024. The affected product is Intel Graphics Driver software installers, which are widely used in systems with Intel integrated graphics hardware. The vulnerability allows privilege escalation by exploiting improper permissions, potentially enabling an attacker to gain administrative or SYSTEM-level access from a lower-privileged account. This could lead to unauthorized system modifications, installation of persistent malware, or bypassing security controls.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a moderate risk primarily in environments where Intel integrated graphics hardware and associated drivers are deployed, which is common across desktops, laptops, and workstations. The ability for a local authenticated user to escalate privileges could be exploited by malicious insiders or attackers who have gained limited access through phishing or other means. This could lead to full system compromise, data breaches, or disruption of critical business operations. Organizations with strict access controls and endpoint security may reduce the risk, but those with shared workstations or less stringent user privilege management could be more vulnerable. In sectors such as finance, government, healthcare, and critical infrastructure, where data sensitivity and system integrity are paramount, exploitation could have severe consequences including regulatory penalties under GDPR if personal data is compromised. The lack of known exploits in the wild suggests the threat is not yet actively exploited, but the medium severity and potential impact warrant proactive mitigation.

To mitigate this vulnerability, European organizations should: 1) Identify and inventory all systems using Intel Graphics Driver software installers to understand exposure. 2) Apply any available patches or updates from Intel as soon as they are released; monitor Intel security advisories closely. 3) Restrict local user permissions rigorously, ensuring users operate with the least privilege necessary and avoid granting administrative rights unnecessarily. 4) Implement strong endpoint protection solutions that can detect and block privilege escalation attempts. 5) Employ application whitelisting and integrity monitoring to detect unauthorized changes to driver installers or related files. 6) Enforce multi-factor authentication and robust user access controls to reduce the risk of initial compromise. 7) Conduct regular security awareness training to reduce the risk of phishing or social engineering attacks that could lead to initial access. 8) Monitor local system logs and security events for suspicious activities related to driver installation or privilege escalation attempts. These steps go beyond generic advice by focusing on controlling local access, monitoring installer integrity, and preparing for timely patch deployment specific to this vulnerability.