CVE-2025-31647 is a vulnerability in Intel(R) Graphics Software prior to version 25.22.1502.2 caused by an uncontrolled search path within Ring 3 user applications. This flaw allows an unprivileged, authenticated local user to escalate their privileges by exploiting the way the software loads resources or components, potentially substituting malicious files due to the insecure search path. The attack complexity is high, requiring active user interaction and local access, which limits remote exploitation. The vulnerability affects confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the vulnerable system at a high level within the context of the Intel graphics software environment, though it does not extend to the entire system's core confidentiality or integrity. The CVSS 4.0 score is 5.4 (medium), reflecting local attack vector, high attack complexity, required privileges, and user interaction. No known exploits are currently in the wild. The vulnerability was reserved in April 2025 and published in November 2025. The root cause is the software's failure to securely validate or restrict the search path for loading components, which can be manipulated by a local attacker to execute code with elevated privileges. This escalation could lead to unauthorized access or control over graphics-related functions and potentially broader system compromise if chained with other vulnerabilities.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a risk of local privilege escalation on systems running vulnerable Intel Graphics Software versions. This could allow malicious insiders or compromised user accounts to gain elevated privileges, potentially leading to unauthorized access to sensitive data, manipulation of system integrity, or disruption of availability. The impact is particularly relevant for enterprises with large deployments of Intel-based desktops and laptops, especially in sectors with stringent data protection requirements such as finance, healthcare, and government. Although remote exploitation is not feasible, the threat from insider attacks or malware that gains initial user-level access is significant. Successful exploitation could facilitate further lateral movement or persistence within corporate networks. The high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability within the affected software context underscores the importance of timely mitigation. However, the requirement for local access and user interaction reduces the likelihood of widespread exploitation, making targeted attacks more probable than mass compromise.

1. Immediately update Intel Graphics Software to version 25.22.1502.2 or later, as provided by Intel, to remediate the uncontrolled search path vulnerability. 2. Enforce strict local user privilege management by limiting user accounts to the minimum necessary permissions and avoiding granting administrative rights to standard users. 3. Implement application whitelisting and integrity monitoring to detect unauthorized modifications or loading of malicious components in the graphics software environment. 4. Educate users about the risks of interacting with untrusted software or files that could trigger the vulnerability. 5. Monitor local system logs and security events for unusual activity indicative of privilege escalation attempts. 6. Employ endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of identifying suspicious local privilege escalation behaviors. 7. For sensitive environments, consider isolating critical systems or restricting local access to trusted personnel only. 8. Coordinate with Intel for any additional security advisories or patches related to this vulnerability.