CVE-2025-20041 is a medium-severity vulnerability affecting Intel(R) Graphics software specifically for Intel(R) Arc™ graphics and Intel(R) Iris(R) Xe graphics. The vulnerability arises from an uncontrolled search path in the affected graphics software versions prior to 32.0.101.6325/32.0.101.6252. This uncontrolled search path can be exploited by an authenticated local user to escalate privileges on the system. Essentially, the software may load malicious or unintended components from an untrusted location due to improper validation or control of the search path for dynamic libraries or executables. This can allow a user with limited privileges (low privileges) to execute code with higher privileges, potentially gaining administrative or system-level access. The CVSS 4.0 base score is 5.4, indicating a medium severity level. The vector string (CVSS:4.0/AV:L/AC:H/AT:P/PR:L/UI:A/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N) shows that the attack requires local access (AV:L), high attack complexity (AC:H), privileges required are low (PR:L), and user interaction is required (UI:A). The impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability is high (VC:H, VI:H, VA:H), meaning successful exploitation could severely compromise system security. No known exploits are reported in the wild yet. The vulnerability does not affect the hardware itself but the Intel graphics driver software stack, which is widely used in many systems with Intel integrated graphics. The lack of patch links suggests that fixes may be pending or not yet publicly available at the time of this report. Organizations using affected Intel graphics software versions should prioritize updating once patches are released to mitigate the risk of local privilege escalation attacks that could lead to full system compromise or unauthorized access to sensitive data.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk especially in environments where Intel integrated graphics are prevalent, such as corporate desktops, laptops, and workstations. The ability for a low-privileged authenticated user to escalate privileges locally can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive information, disruption of critical business operations, or installation of persistent malware. This is particularly concerning for sectors with strict data protection regulations like finance, healthcare, and government, where confidentiality and integrity of data are paramount. Additionally, organizations relying on remote desktop or virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) solutions that use Intel graphics could see increased risk if attackers gain initial foothold through compromised user accounts. The medium severity rating and requirement for local access and user interaction somewhat limit the attack surface; however, insider threats or compromised user accounts could exploit this vulnerability to gain elevated privileges. The absence of known exploits in the wild currently reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the threat, as attackers may develop exploits once patches are released or if the vulnerability details become widely known.

1. Monitor Intel’s official security advisories and promptly apply patches or updates for Intel(R) Graphics software versions 32.0.101.6325/32.0.101.6252 or later once available. 2. Implement strict access controls and least privilege principles to limit the number of users with local access to systems running affected Intel graphics software. 3. Employ application whitelisting and integrity monitoring to detect unauthorized changes or loading of unexpected libraries or executables in the graphics software environment. 4. Use endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools to monitor for suspicious local privilege escalation attempts or anomalous behavior related to graphics driver processes. 5. Educate users on the risks of social engineering and the importance of avoiding execution of untrusted code or files, since user interaction is required for exploitation. 6. For high-security environments, consider isolating critical systems or using virtualization/containerization techniques to limit the impact of potential local exploits. 7. Regularly audit and review local user accounts and permissions to reduce the attack surface for privilege escalation. 8. Maintain up-to-date backups and incident response plans to quickly recover from potential compromises.