CVE-2025-36522 is an escalation of privilege vulnerability found in Intel(R) Chipset Software versions before 10.1.20266.8668. The root cause is incorrect default permissions within the software operating in Ring 3 (user space), which allows a local authenticated user to perform a complex attack combined with active user interaction to escalate privileges. The vulnerability requires local access and does not require special internal knowledge, but the attack complexity is high, and user interaction is necessary. The flaw could allow an adversary with low privileges to gain higher privileges, potentially compromising the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected system at a high level within the user context. However, the vulnerability does not propagate to broader system-level impacts beyond the compromised user environment. The CVSS 4.0 vector indicates the attack requires local access (AV:L), high attack complexity (AC:H), privileges required are low (PR:L), and user interaction is required (UI:A). The vulnerability affects Intel Chipset Software, which is widely deployed in many computing environments, especially enterprise and industrial systems. No known exploits have been reported in the wild, but the presence of this vulnerability demands timely patching due to the potential impact on sensitive systems.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk particularly to enterprises and critical infrastructure relying on Intel chipset software. The ability for a local authenticated user to escalate privileges could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data, manipulation of system processes, or disruption of services. This is especially critical in sectors such as finance, healthcare, energy, and government where data confidentiality and system integrity are paramount. The requirement for local access and user interaction somewhat limits remote exploitation but insider threats or compromised user accounts could leverage this vulnerability. The high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability within the user context could cascade into broader operational disruptions if exploited in multi-user or shared environments. Organizations with extensive Intel hardware deployments and complex IT environments are at higher risk. The absence of known exploits in the wild reduces immediate threat but does not eliminate the risk of future exploitation.

To mitigate CVE-2025-36522, European organizations should prioritize updating Intel Chipset Software to version 10.1.20266.8668 or later as soon as patches become available. Until patches are applied, organizations should enforce strict local access controls, limiting user permissions to the minimum necessary and monitoring for unusual privilege escalation attempts. Implementing robust endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions can help identify suspicious local activities indicative of exploitation attempts. User training to reduce risky interactions and awareness of social engineering tactics can mitigate the required user interaction component. Additionally, employing application whitelisting and restricting software installation rights can reduce the attack surface. Regular auditing of user privileges and system permissions will help detect and prevent unauthorized privilege escalations. Network segmentation and isolation of critical systems can limit the impact of any successful exploit. Finally, maintaining comprehensive logging and incident response plans will enable rapid detection and remediation if exploitation occurs.