CVE-2025-25179 is a high-severity vulnerability affecting the Imagination Technologies Graphics Device Driver Kit (DDK) versions 1.15 RTM, 1.17 RTM, 1.18 RTM, and 23.2 RTM. The vulnerability arises from improper handling of insufficient permissions or privileges (CWE-280) within the GPU system call interface. Specifically, software running as a non-privileged user can exploit this flaw to issue improper GPU system calls that subvert the GPU hardware, enabling arbitrary writes to physical memory pages. This capability effectively allows an attacker to bypass normal privilege restrictions and directly manipulate physical memory, potentially leading to full system compromise. The vulnerability has a CVSS v3.1 base score of 7.8, reflecting high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, with low attack complexity and requiring low privileges but no user interaction. Although no known exploits are currently reported in the wild, the nature of the flaw suggests that exploitation could allow privilege escalation from a non-privileged user context to kernel-level or hardware-level control, enabling attackers to install persistent malware, exfiltrate sensitive data, or disrupt system operations. The affected component, Graphics DDK, is a critical driver development kit used in systems employing Imagination Technologies GPUs, which are commonly found in embedded systems, mobile devices, and certain specialized computing platforms. The vulnerability’s exploitation vector is local, requiring the attacker to have some level of access to the system, but the low privilege requirement and lack of user interaction make it a significant threat in multi-user or shared environments.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a substantial risk, particularly in sectors relying on embedded systems or specialized hardware using Imagination Technologies GPUs, such as telecommunications, automotive, industrial control, and certain consumer electronics. Successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data, disruption of critical services, and compromise of system integrity. In environments where multi-user access is common, such as corporate workstations or shared development platforms, attackers could leverage this flaw to escalate privileges and move laterally within networks. The ability to write to arbitrary physical memory could also facilitate the deployment of rootkits or persistent malware that evades detection by traditional security tools. Given the increasing reliance on GPU-accelerated computing in various European industries, the vulnerability could impact confidentiality, integrity, and availability of critical systems, potentially causing operational disruptions and data breaches. Additionally, regulatory frameworks such as GDPR impose strict requirements on data protection, and exploitation of this vulnerability could lead to compliance violations and associated penalties.

To mitigate this vulnerability, European organizations should prioritize the following actions: 1) Identify and inventory all systems utilizing Imagination Technologies Graphics DDK versions 1.15 RTM, 1.17 RTM, 1.18 RTM, and 23.2 RTM. 2) Monitor vendor communications closely for patches or security advisories; although no patches are currently listed, organizations should apply updates promptly once available. 3) Implement strict access controls to limit non-privileged user access on systems with vulnerable GPU drivers, minimizing the risk of local exploitation. 4) Employ application whitelisting and endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of detecting anomalous GPU system calls or unauthorized memory access attempts. 5) Conduct regular security audits and penetration testing focusing on privilege escalation vectors involving GPU drivers. 6) For critical environments, consider isolating or segmenting systems with vulnerable GPUs to contain potential compromises. 7) Engage with hardware and software vendors to understand long-term support and mitigation strategies, including potential hardware-level protections or driver updates. 8) Educate system administrators and security teams about the specific risks associated with GPU driver vulnerabilities to enhance detection and response capabilities.