CVE-2025-30506 is a vulnerability identified in Intel Driver and Support Assistant (IDSA) versions prior to 25.2, involving an uncontrolled search path in user-mode applications (Ring 3). This flaw allows an unprivileged, authenticated local user to escalate privileges by exploiting the way the software loads resources or executables without properly validating the search path. The vulnerability requires a high complexity attack and active user interaction, such as convincing the user to run a malicious file or perform specific actions. The attacker must have local access and some knowledge of the internal workings of the software to exploit this vulnerability effectively. Successful exploitation can lead to local code execution with elevated privileges, potentially compromising the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected system. The CVSS 4.0 score is 5.4 (medium), reflecting the local attack vector, high complexity, required user interaction, and the impact on all three security properties. No public exploits are currently known, and no patches are linked yet, but the vulnerability is published and should be addressed promptly. This vulnerability is significant because Intel Driver and Support Assistant is widely used for managing Intel hardware drivers and updates, making it a valuable target for attackers seeking to gain elevated privileges on affected systems.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a risk primarily to systems running Intel Driver and Support Assistant versions before 25.2. Successful exploitation could allow local attackers to gain elevated privileges, potentially leading to unauthorized access to sensitive data, modification of system configurations, or disruption of services. This is particularly concerning for organizations with strict data protection requirements under GDPR, as confidentiality breaches could lead to regulatory penalties. Critical infrastructure sectors such as finance, healthcare, and government, which often rely on Intel hardware and associated management tools, could face operational disruptions or data integrity issues. However, the requirement for local access, high attack complexity, and user interaction reduces the likelihood of widespread exploitation. Still, insider threats or targeted attacks against high-value assets remain a concern. The medium severity rating suggests that while the vulnerability is not trivial, it should be addressed promptly to prevent potential escalation and lateral movement within networks.

European organizations should take the following specific steps: 1) Immediately inventory all systems running Intel Driver and Support Assistant and verify the installed version. 2) Upgrade all instances of Intel Driver and Support Assistant to version 25.2 or later once patches are available. 3) Until patches are applied, restrict local user permissions to minimize the number of users who can execute or interact with the vulnerable software. 4) Implement application whitelisting and endpoint detection to monitor for unusual local execution patterns or privilege escalations. 5) Educate users about the risks of executing untrusted files or interacting with suspicious prompts to reduce the likelihood of successful user interaction-based attacks. 6) Employ network segmentation to limit lateral movement if a local compromise occurs. 7) Monitor system logs for signs of exploitation attempts or anomalous behavior related to Intel Driver and Support Assistant processes. These targeted measures go beyond generic advice by focusing on the specific attack vector and the software involved.