CVE-2025-27713 is a vulnerability identified in Intel(R) QuickAssist Technology (QAT) Windows software versions prior to 2.6.0. The flaw is an out-of-bounds write occurring within Ring 3, which is the user application layer, allowing a local attacker with authenticated access and low privileges to escalate their privileges on the system. The vulnerability does not require user interaction but demands a high complexity attack, implying that exploitation is non-trivial and may require detailed understanding of the software internals. The out-of-bounds write can corrupt memory, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution or system compromise. The CVSS 4.0 base score is 7.3, reflecting a high severity due to the impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected system. The attack vector is local (AV:L), with high attack complexity (AC:H), no privileges required beyond low-level authenticated user (PR:L), and no user interaction (UI:N). The vulnerability does not involve scope change or special attack conditions. Intel QAT is commonly used to accelerate cryptographic workloads, so exploitation could undermine cryptographic operations, affecting data security and system stability. No patches or exploits are currently publicly available, but the vulnerability is published and should be addressed promptly.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk especially in sectors relying heavily on Intel QAT for cryptographic acceleration, such as financial services, telecommunications, and government agencies. Exploitation could allow an attacker with local access to escalate privileges, potentially gaining control over sensitive systems and data. This could lead to unauthorized data disclosure, manipulation, or denial of service, severely impacting confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Given the local attack vector, insider threats or compromised user accounts are primary concerns. The high complexity of the attack reduces the likelihood of widespread exploitation but does not eliminate risk in targeted attacks. Organizations with remote access solutions or shared environments may be particularly vulnerable if attackers can gain authenticated local access. The absence of known exploits in the wild provides a window for proactive mitigation before active exploitation occurs.

European organizations should immediately identify and inventory all systems running Intel QAT Windows software versions prior to 2.6.0. Although no official patch links are provided, organizations should monitor Intel’s advisories for patches and apply them as soon as available. In the interim, restrict local access to systems with Intel QAT to trusted personnel only and enforce strict authentication and authorization controls. Employ application whitelisting and endpoint detection to monitor for suspicious activity indicative of exploitation attempts. Harden systems by disabling unnecessary services and limiting user privileges to the minimum required. Conduct regular audits of user accounts and access logs to detect potential insider threats. Consider isolating critical systems using network segmentation to reduce the risk of lateral movement. Finally, educate users about the risks of privilege escalation vulnerabilities and enforce strong password policies to reduce the risk of credential compromise.