CVE-2025-24848 identifies a protection mechanism failure in Intel(R) CIP software versions before WIN_DCA_2.4.0.11001, specifically affecting user applications operating in Ring 3 (user mode). The vulnerability allows an escalation of privilege by an adversary who already has some privileged user access combined with unprivileged software capabilities. The attack requires local access and is characterized by high complexity, meaning it is not trivial to exploit but feasible under certain conditions. Passive user interaction is required, indicating the user does not need to actively participate beyond normal system use. The vulnerability impacts confidentiality, integrity, and availability at a high level within the vulnerable system context, potentially allowing an attacker to gain unauthorized elevated privileges, manipulate data, or disrupt system operations. The CVSS 4.0 score of 5.4 reflects medium severity, considering the attack vector is local, attack complexity is high, privileges required are high, and user interaction is needed. No special internal knowledge is required, which lowers the barrier somewhat, but the need for privileged user presence and high complexity limits widespread exploitation. No known exploits have been reported in the wild, but the vulnerability remains a concern for environments relying on Intel CIP software for critical operations. The lack of patch links suggests organizations should monitor Intel advisories for updates and apply patches promptly once available.

For European organizations, this vulnerability could lead to unauthorized privilege escalation on systems running affected Intel CIP software versions, potentially compromising sensitive data confidentiality, system integrity, and availability. This is particularly critical in sectors relying on Intel CIP for industrial control, enterprise security, or critical infrastructure management. Successful exploitation could allow attackers to bypass security controls, manipulate or exfiltrate sensitive information, or disrupt operations. The requirement for local access and privileged user presence limits remote exploitation but increases risk from insider threats or attackers who have gained initial footholds. The high complexity of the attack reduces the likelihood of widespread exploitation but does not eliminate targeted attacks against high-value European entities. Organizations in finance, manufacturing, energy, and government sectors are especially at risk due to their reliance on Intel hardware and software stacks. The vulnerability could also undermine trust in Intel-based security solutions if exploited.

European organizations should implement the following specific mitigations: 1) Immediately identify and inventory all systems running Intel CIP software versions prior to WIN_DCA_2.4.0.11001. 2) Monitor Intel security advisories closely and apply patches or updates as soon as they become available. 3) Enforce strict local access controls and limit privileged user accounts to reduce the risk of local exploitation. 4) Implement robust endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to detect unusual privilege escalation attempts or suspicious local activity. 5) Conduct regular privilege audits and minimize the number of users with elevated privileges. 6) Educate users about the risks of passive interaction with potentially malicious software or scripts. 7) Employ application whitelisting to restrict execution of unauthorized software that could exploit this vulnerability. 8) Use multi-factor authentication and session monitoring for privileged accounts to detect and prevent misuse. 9) Consider network segmentation to isolate critical systems running Intel CIP software from less secure environments. 10) Prepare incident response plans specifically addressing local privilege escalation scenarios to enable rapid containment and remediation.