CVE-2025-20050 is a vulnerability identified in Intel(R) CIP software versions before WIN_DCA_2.4.0.11001. The root cause is an uncontrolled search path within user-space (Ring 3) applications, which can be manipulated by an unprivileged, authenticated local user to escalate privileges. This vulnerability allows local code execution with elevated rights if an attacker can meet the high complexity requirements and induce active user interaction. The attack vector is local (AV:L), requiring the attacker to have low privileges (PR:L) and user interaction (UI:A). The vulnerability affects confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the vulnerable system components at a high level within the scope of the CIP software but does not extend to the entire system beyond the compromised software context. The CVSS 4.0 base score is 5.4 (medium severity), reflecting the difficulty of exploitation and limited attack surface. No public exploits or widespread attacks have been reported to date. The vulnerability does not require special internal knowledge beyond authenticated user access, but the complexity and interaction requirements reduce the likelihood of successful exploitation. Intel CIP software is typically used in industrial and infrastructure environments, making this a concern for organizations relying on these systems for operational technology or critical infrastructure management.

For European organizations, the vulnerability poses a risk primarily to systems running Intel CIP software, which is often deployed in industrial control, manufacturing, and critical infrastructure sectors. Successful exploitation could allow an authenticated local user to gain elevated privileges, potentially leading to unauthorized access to sensitive operational data, manipulation of control processes, or disruption of availability. This could impact confidentiality by exposing sensitive industrial data, integrity by allowing unauthorized changes to control software or configurations, and availability by enabling denial-of-service conditions. Given the local and user interaction requirements, the threat is more significant in environments where multiple users have local access or where insider threats exist. The impact is heightened in sectors such as energy, manufacturing, transportation, and utilities, which are prevalent across Europe and rely on Intel CIP software for operational continuity. Failure to address this vulnerability could lead to operational disruptions, compliance issues under regulations like NIS2, and potential safety hazards in industrial environments.

1. Apply the official patch or upgrade Intel CIP software to version WIN_DCA_2.4.0.11001 or later as soon as it becomes available. 2. Restrict local access to systems running Intel CIP software to trusted personnel only, minimizing the risk of exploitation by unprivileged users. 3. Implement strict user account management and least privilege principles to reduce the number of users with authenticated local access. 4. Monitor and audit local user activities on affected systems to detect unusual behavior indicative of privilege escalation attempts. 5. Employ application whitelisting and integrity monitoring to prevent unauthorized code execution or modification within the CIP software environment. 6. Educate users about the risks of interacting with untrusted applications or files that could trigger the vulnerability. 7. Consider network segmentation to isolate critical CIP systems from general IT networks, reducing the attack surface. 8. Maintain up-to-date endpoint protection solutions capable of detecting suspicious local activity related to privilege escalation attempts.