CVE-2025-20095 is an escalation of privilege vulnerability found in Intel RealSense SDK software versions before 2.56.2. The root cause is incorrect default permissions set on certain components of the SDK, which can be exploited by an authenticated user with local access to elevate their privileges beyond their assigned level. The vulnerability requires the attacker to have low-level privileges and some user interaction, making exploitation moderately complex. The CVSS 4.0 base score is 5.4 (medium severity), reflecting the local attack vector, high attack complexity, and the need for privileges and user interaction. The impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability is high, meaning that successful exploitation could allow an attacker to gain unauthorized access to sensitive data, modify system or application behavior, or disrupt services. The vulnerability does not require network access and is not known to be exploited in the wild at this time. Intel has released version 2.56.2 of the RealSense SDK to address this issue by correcting the default permissions. The SDK is widely used in applications involving depth sensing, computer vision, and AI, often integrated into devices and software solutions across various industries. The vulnerability is particularly relevant in environments where multiple users have local access to systems running the vulnerable SDK, such as shared workstations or development environments.

The vulnerability allows an authenticated local user with low privileges to escalate their privileges, potentially gaining administrative or system-level access. This can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive information, modification or deletion of critical files, installation of persistent malware, or disruption of system operations. Organizations relying on Intel RealSense SDK for computer vision or AI applications may face increased risk of insider threats or attacks from compromised user accounts. The impact is heightened in multi-user environments or where local access controls are weak. Although network-based exploitation is not possible, the ability to escalate privileges locally can facilitate lateral movement and further compromise within an organization's infrastructure. The absence of known exploits in the wild reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the threat, especially as attackers may develop exploits once the vulnerability details become widely known.

1. Upgrade Intel RealSense SDK to version 2.56.2 or later immediately to apply the corrected default permissions. 2. Restrict local user permissions rigorously, ensuring that users have only the minimum necessary privileges to perform their tasks. 3. Implement strict access controls on systems running the SDK, especially in shared or multi-user environments. 4. Monitor system logs and audit trails for unusual privilege escalation attempts or suspicious activities related to the SDK components. 5. Employ endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to detect and block potential exploitation attempts. 6. Conduct regular security assessments and penetration testing focusing on local privilege escalation vectors. 7. Educate users about the risks of privilege escalation and enforce policies to limit unnecessary user interaction that could trigger exploitation. 8. Isolate critical systems running the SDK from general user access where feasible to reduce attack surface.