CVE-2025-20076 is a vulnerability identified in the Edge Orchestrator software component of the Intel(R) Tiber™ Edge Platform. The flaw arises from improper access control mechanisms within the software, which could allow an unauthenticated attacker with adjacent network access to escalate privileges. Specifically, the vulnerability enables an attacker who is on a network segment adjacent to the target system to potentially gain higher-level privileges than intended, bypassing normal authentication or authorization controls. The vulnerability does not require prior authentication but does require the attacker to have adjacent network access, which limits the attack vector to local or nearby network environments rather than remote internet-based attacks. The CVSS 4.0 base score is 2.1, indicating a low severity level, reflecting the high attack complexity and limited impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The vulnerability does not involve user interaction, and the scope of impact is limited to the Edge Orchestrator software on the Intel Tiber Edge Platform. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, and no patches or mitigation links have been provided at this time. The vulnerability was reserved in early 2025 and published in May 2025, indicating it is a recent discovery. The Intel Tiber Edge Platform is a specialized edge computing platform designed for industrial and enterprise environments, often deployed in scenarios requiring localized data processing and orchestration of edge devices.

For European organizations, the impact of this vulnerability depends largely on the deployment of the Intel Tiber Edge Platform within their infrastructure. Organizations utilizing this platform for edge computing, particularly in industrial automation, manufacturing, telecommunications, or critical infrastructure sectors, could face risks of unauthorized privilege escalation by attackers with adjacent network access. This could lead to unauthorized control over edge orchestration functions, potentially disrupting edge device management, data processing, or local automation workflows. While the low CVSS score suggests limited direct impact on confidentiality, integrity, or availability, successful exploitation could serve as a foothold for lateral movement within a network, especially in segmented industrial environments. This could increase the risk of further compromise or disruption of critical edge services. Given the nature of edge computing platforms, which often operate in proximity to operational technology (OT) environments, the vulnerability could indirectly affect operational continuity and safety if exploited. However, the requirement for adjacent access and the high attack complexity reduce the likelihood of widespread exploitation, limiting the threat primarily to targeted attacks in environments where the platform is deployed.

To mitigate this vulnerability effectively, European organizations should first identify all deployments of the Intel Tiber Edge Platform and specifically the Edge Orchestrator software within their networks. Network segmentation should be enforced rigorously to restrict adjacent network access to these edge systems, limiting exposure to only trusted devices and personnel. Implementing strict access control lists (ACLs) and network isolation techniques can reduce the attack surface. Monitoring network traffic for unusual access attempts or privilege escalation indicators around the edge orchestrator components is advisable. Organizations should engage with Intel or their platform vendors to obtain security advisories and patches as they become available, applying updates promptly. Additionally, employing host-based intrusion detection systems (HIDS) on edge devices can help detect attempts to exploit privilege escalation. Given the lack of user interaction required, user training is less relevant, but operational staff should be aware of the potential risks and maintain vigilance. Finally, reviewing and hardening the configuration of the Edge Orchestrator software to enforce the principle of least privilege and minimize unnecessary services or open ports can further reduce risk.