CVE-2025-30506 is a vulnerability identified in Intel Driver and Support Assistant (IDSA) prior to version 25.2. The root cause is an uncontrolled search path in user-mode components (Ring 3), which can be exploited by a local, authenticated user to escalate privileges. Specifically, the vulnerability allows an adversary with limited privileges to execute code with elevated rights by manipulating the search path used by the IDSA application. Exploitation requires a high level of attack complexity and active user interaction, such as tricking the user into running malicious code or opening a crafted file. The vulnerability affects confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the system, potentially allowing unauthorized access or modification of sensitive data and disruption of system operations. The CVSS 4.0 base score is 5.4, reflecting a medium severity rating. The attack vector is local (AV:L), with high attack complexity (AC:H), no attack vector (AT:N), low privileges required (PR:L), and user interaction needed (UI:A). The vulnerability does not require network access and is limited to local exploitation. No known public exploits or widespread attacks have been reported to date. The vulnerability is specific to Intel Driver and Support Assistant software, which is commonly installed on systems with Intel hardware to facilitate driver updates and system diagnostics.

The vulnerability allows an authenticated local user to escalate privileges, potentially leading to unauthorized code execution with elevated rights. This can compromise system confidentiality by exposing sensitive data, integrity by allowing unauthorized modification of system files or configurations, and availability by enabling disruptive actions such as service interruptions or system crashes. Although exploitation requires local access and user interaction, the impact on affected systems can be significant, especially in enterprise environments where Intel Driver and Support Assistant is widely deployed. Attackers gaining elevated privileges can bypass security controls, install persistent malware, or move laterally within a network. The medium CVSS score reflects the balance between the attack complexity and the potential damage. Organizations with many users having local access to systems with vulnerable versions are at increased risk. However, the lack of known exploits in the wild and the requirement for active user interaction reduce the immediacy of the threat.

1. Update Intel Driver and Support Assistant to version 25.2 or later immediately, as this version addresses the uncontrolled search path vulnerability. 2. Restrict local user permissions to the minimum necessary to reduce the risk of privilege escalation. 3. Implement application whitelisting to prevent execution of unauthorized code that could exploit the vulnerability. 4. Educate users about the risks of executing untrusted files or applications and the importance of cautious behavior to avoid social engineering attacks. 5. Monitor systems for unusual local activity that could indicate attempts to exploit privilege escalation vulnerabilities. 6. Employ endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools to detect and block suspicious local privilege escalation attempts. 7. Regularly audit installed software versions and patch levels to ensure compliance with security policies. 8. Consider isolating critical systems or limiting installation of non-essential software to reduce attack surface.