CVE-2025-30182 is an escalation of privilege vulnerability found in Intel(R) Distribution for Python software installers before version 2025.2.0. The root cause is an uncontrolled search path within Ring 3 user applications, which can be exploited by a local, authenticated user with low privileges. This vulnerability allows an adversary to escalate their privileges on the system by leveraging the insecure search path to load malicious components or binaries during the installation or execution process. The attack complexity is high, requiring active user interaction and local access, which reduces the likelihood of remote exploitation. The vulnerability affects confidentiality, integrity, and availability at a high level, potentially allowing attackers to gain unauthorized access or disrupt system operations. The CVSS 4.0 score is 5.4 (medium), reflecting the need for user interaction and the high complexity of the attack. No public exploits are known, but the vulnerability remains a concern for environments where Intel's Python distribution is deployed, especially in development or production systems that rely on these installers. The vulnerability does not require special internal knowledge but does require an authenticated user context, meaning attackers must already have some level of access to the system. The lack of patch links suggests that users should monitor Intel’s official channels for updates and apply version 2025.2.0 or later once available.

For European organizations, the vulnerability poses a risk of local privilege escalation, which could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data, modification of critical files, or disruption of services. This is particularly concerning for enterprises using Intel(R) Distribution for Python in development, data science, or production environments where Python is integral. Confidentiality impacts could involve exposure of proprietary code or sensitive information, while integrity impacts could allow attackers to alter software components or configurations. Availability impacts could result from attackers disrupting services or causing system instability. The requirement for local access and user interaction limits remote exploitation but does not eliminate insider threats or risks from compromised user accounts. Organizations with large developer teams or shared workstations are at higher risk. The medium severity suggests that while the threat is not critical, it warrants timely remediation to prevent potential lateral movement or privilege escalation within corporate networks.

European organizations should immediately inventory their use of Intel(R) Distribution for Python software installers and identify versions prior to 2025.2.0. Until patches are available, restrict local access to systems running these installers, enforce strict user privilege separation, and monitor for suspicious local activities indicative of privilege escalation attempts. Implement application whitelisting and integrity monitoring to detect unauthorized modifications to installer files or related binaries. Educate users about the risks of interacting with untrusted installers or executing unknown scripts. Once Intel releases the patched version 2025.2.0 or later, prioritize updating all affected systems. Additionally, employ endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools to identify anomalous behaviors related to privilege escalation. Regularly review and tighten authentication mechanisms to reduce the risk posed by compromised user credentials. Finally, maintain robust logging and audit trails to facilitate incident investigation if exploitation is suspected.