CVE-2025-32449 is a vulnerability identified in the PRI Driver software, specifically in versions prior to 03.03.1002. The root cause is an unquoted search path in the driver’s Ring 3 user-mode components, which can be exploited by an authenticated, unprivileged local user to escalate privileges. The unquoted search path issue arises when the system searches for executable files or DLLs in directories that are not properly quoted, allowing an attacker to place malicious executables in higher priority paths. When the driver or associated software loads these components, the malicious code executes with elevated privileges. The attack complexity is high, requiring local access, user authentication, and active user interaction, such as executing a crafted file or application. The vulnerability impacts confidentiality, integrity, and availability at a high level once exploited, potentially allowing attackers to gain elevated privileges and control over the system. However, the vulnerability does not extend to system-wide confidentiality, integrity, or availability impacts beyond the escalation event itself. No public exploits are known at this time, but the vulnerability is published and should be addressed proactively. The CVSS 4.0 score of 5.4 reflects a medium severity, balancing the high impact with the complexity and requirements for exploitation.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk primarily in environments where PRI Driver software is deployed and used extensively, such as industrial control systems, telecommunications, or enterprise hardware relying on this driver. Successful exploitation could allow attackers to escalate privileges from a low-level authenticated user to higher system privileges, potentially leading to unauthorized access to sensitive data, modification of critical system components, or disruption of services. This could result in data breaches, operational downtime, or compromise of critical infrastructure. Given the requirement for local access and user interaction, the threat is more relevant to insider threats or attackers who have already gained some foothold within the network. The high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability underscores the importance of addressing this vulnerability to prevent lateral movement and privilege escalation within corporate networks. The absence of known exploits in the wild reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the potential for future attacks, especially as the vulnerability becomes more widely known.

1. Upgrade PRI Driver software to version 03.03.1002 or later, where the unquoted search path issue is resolved. 2. Implement strict local access controls to limit the number of users with authenticated local access, reducing the attack surface. 3. Enforce the principle of least privilege for all user accounts to minimize the impact of any successful exploitation. 4. Monitor local system activity for unusual behavior, such as unexpected execution of binaries or modifications in directories involved in the driver’s search path. 5. Educate users about the risks of executing untrusted files or applications, as active user interaction is required for exploitation. 6. Use application whitelisting and endpoint protection solutions to prevent unauthorized code execution in sensitive directories. 7. Regularly audit and harden system configurations to ensure that search paths are properly quoted and secured. 8. Consider network segmentation to isolate critical systems running the PRI Driver software, limiting lateral movement opportunities.