CVE-2025-20627 is a medium-severity vulnerability affecting Intel(R) oneAPI DPC++/C++ Compiler software versions prior to 2025.0.1. The issue arises from an uncontrolled search path within the compiler software, which can be exploited by an authenticated user with local access to escalate their privileges on the affected system. Specifically, the vulnerability allows a user with limited privileges (low privileges) to potentially gain higher privileges by manipulating the search path used by the compiler to load components or dependencies. This type of vulnerability typically involves the software loading malicious or unintended files from directories that are writable or controllable by the attacker, leading to execution of code with elevated privileges. The CVSS 4.0 base score is 5.4, indicating a medium severity level. The vector string (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 needed (UI:A). The impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability is high (VC:H, VI:H, VA:H), meaning successful exploitation could significantly compromise system security. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, and no patches or mitigation links are provided in the data, suggesting that users should upgrade to version 2025.0.1 or later once available. The vulnerability is specific to Intel's oneAPI DPC++/C++ Compiler software, which is used primarily in development environments for heterogeneous computing, including CPUs, GPUs, and FPGAs. This software is critical in compiling and optimizing code for performance across Intel hardware platforms.

For European organizations, the impact of this vulnerability can be significant, particularly for those involved in software development, high-performance computing, and research sectors that utilize Intel oneAPI toolkits. An attacker exploiting this vulnerability could escalate privileges from a low-privileged user account to higher system privileges, potentially gaining control over build environments, injecting malicious code into compiled binaries, or disrupting development workflows. This could lead to intellectual property theft, insertion of backdoors into software products, or sabotage of critical software infrastructure. Given the high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, organizations could face operational disruptions, reputational damage, and compliance issues, especially under strict European data protection regulations like GDPR. The requirement for local access and user interaction limits remote exploitation but does not eliminate risk in environments where multiple users share development machines or where insider threats exist. Additionally, the vulnerability could be leveraged in chained attacks to move laterally within networks or escalate privileges further, increasing the overall risk posture.

To mitigate this vulnerability, European organizations should prioritize upgrading Intel oneAPI DPC++/C++ Compiler software to version 2025.0.1 or later as soon as the patch is available. Until then, organizations should implement strict access controls to limit local access to development systems only to trusted personnel. Employing application whitelisting and integrity verification mechanisms can help detect unauthorized modifications to compiler components or search paths. Regularly auditing and monitoring file system permissions on directories involved in the compiler's search path can prevent unauthorized file placement. Additionally, enforcing the principle of least privilege for user accounts on development machines reduces the risk of privilege escalation. Organizations should also educate developers and system administrators about the risks of this vulnerability and encourage vigilance against social engineering or phishing attempts that could facilitate user interaction required for exploitation. Network segmentation of development environments and use of endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools can further help detect and contain potential exploitation attempts. Finally, maintaining an up-to-date inventory of software versions and applying security updates promptly is critical.