CVE-2025-20614 is an escalation of privilege vulnerability identified in Intel(R) CIP software prior to version WIN_DCA_2.4.0.11001. The root cause is the external control of file names or paths within user applications operating in Ring 3 (user mode), which allows an attacker with local access and unprivileged software combined with a privileged user context to escalate their privileges. The attack vector requires local access and privileges of a user with some elevated rights but does not require user interaction or special internal knowledge, making exploitation relatively straightforward. The vulnerability primarily compromises confidentiality by potentially exposing sensitive information accessible to the privileged user context, while integrity impact is low and availability is unaffected. The CVSS 4.0 base score is 5.6, reflecting medium severity, with attack vector local, low attack complexity, privileges required high, no user interaction, and high impact on confidentiality. No public exploits have been reported yet, but the vulnerability poses a risk in environments where multiple users share access or where unprivileged users can execute code alongside privileged users. Intel CIP software is used in various enterprise and industrial contexts, so the vulnerability could affect critical systems if left unpatched.

For European organizations, this vulnerability could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data due to privilege escalation on systems running vulnerable Intel CIP software. Confidentiality is the primary concern, potentially exposing intellectual property, personal data, or other sensitive information. Although integrity and availability impacts are low or none, the breach of confidentiality alone can have severe regulatory and reputational consequences under GDPR and other data protection frameworks. Organizations with multi-user environments or shared workstations are particularly vulnerable. Attackers with local access could leverage this vulnerability to gain elevated privileges, facilitating further lateral movement or data exfiltration. Industrial and critical infrastructure sectors using Intel CIP software may face increased risk, especially if privileged user accounts are not tightly controlled. The lack of required user interaction simplifies exploitation, increasing the urgency for mitigation.

1. Immediately update Intel CIP software to version WIN_DCA_2.4.0.11001 or later, where the vulnerability is patched. 2. Restrict local access to systems running vulnerable versions, limiting the number of users with physical or remote local access. 3. Enforce strict privilege separation and minimize the number of privileged user accounts on affected systems. 4. Implement application whitelisting and endpoint detection to monitor and block unauthorized attempts to manipulate file paths or escalate privileges. 5. Conduct regular audits of user permissions and system access logs to detect suspicious activities indicative of exploitation attempts. 6. Use virtualization or containerization to isolate critical applications and reduce the attack surface. 7. Educate system administrators and users about the risks of local privilege escalation and the importance of applying patches promptly.