CVE-2025-24519 is a buffer overflow vulnerability identified in Intel(R) QuickAssist Technology (QAT) Windows software versions before 2.6.0. The flaw exists within user-mode (Ring 3) applications that interact with the QAT driver or software stack. An authenticated local attacker with low complexity can exploit this vulnerability to escalate privileges by manipulating memory buffers improperly handled by the software. The vulnerability does not require user interaction or special internal knowledge, making it accessible to users with legitimate access but limited privileges. Exploitation could allow the attacker to alter data integrity, potentially modifying sensitive information or system state, but it does not compromise confidentiality or availability directly. The CVSS 4.0 base score is 6.8 (medium severity), reflecting local attack vector, low attack complexity, no privileges required beyond authenticated user, no user interaction, and a high impact on integrity. No known exploits have been reported in the wild as of the publication date. The vulnerability could be leveraged as a stepping stone for further privilege escalation or lateral movement within affected systems. Intel QAT is commonly used for hardware-accelerated cryptographic and compression operations, so systems relying on this technology for performance gains may be exposed. The vulnerability highlights the importance of timely patching and monitoring of local user activities on systems running vulnerable versions of Intel QAT Windows software.

For European organizations, the primary impact of CVE-2025-24519 is the potential for local authenticated users to escalate privileges and manipulate data integrity on systems using Intel QAT Windows software prior to version 2.6.0. This can undermine trust in system operations, potentially corrupt cryptographic operations or data compression tasks accelerated by QAT, and facilitate further attacks such as lateral movement or persistence. Although confidentiality and availability are not directly affected, the integrity compromise can lead to significant operational disruptions or data tampering. Organizations in sectors with high reliance on Intel hardware acceleration, such as telecommunications, financial services, and cloud providers, may face increased risk. The requirement for local authenticated access limits remote exploitation but insider threats or compromised user accounts could leverage this vulnerability. The absence of known exploits in the wild currently reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the threat, especially as exploit development may follow disclosure. European entities should consider this vulnerability in their risk assessments, particularly where Intel QAT is deployed in critical infrastructure or sensitive environments.

To mitigate CVE-2025-24519, European organizations should: 1) Immediately identify and inventory all systems running Intel QAT Windows software versions prior to 2.6.0. 2) Apply the official Intel patch or upgrade to version 2.6.0 or later as soon as it becomes available. 3) Restrict local access to systems with Intel QAT software to trusted and authorized personnel only, enforcing strict access controls and monitoring. 4) Implement enhanced logging and alerting for suspicious local user activities that could indicate attempts to exploit privilege escalation. 5) Conduct regular audits of user privileges and remove unnecessary authenticated local accounts. 6) Use endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools to detect anomalous behavior related to memory manipulation or privilege escalation attempts. 7) Educate system administrators and security teams about this specific vulnerability and the importance of patch management for hardware acceleration software components. 8) Consider network segmentation to isolate critical systems running Intel QAT from general user environments to reduce attack surface. These steps go beyond generic advice by focusing on local access control, monitoring, and rapid patch deployment tailored to the specific nature of this vulnerability.