CVE-2025-20003
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability in Intel Graphics Driver installers allows authenticated local users to exploit improper link resolution (symlink attacks) to escalate privileges. Attackers could potentially gain SYSTEM/root-level access by manipulating symbolic links during installation processes. This affects systems with vulnerable Intel Graphics Driver versions installed.
💻 Affected Systems
- Intel Graphics Driver Installers
⚠️ Manual Verification Required
This CVE does not have specific version information in our database, so automatic vulnerability detection cannot determine if your system is affected.
Why? The CVE database entry doesn't specify which versions are vulnerable (no version ranges provided by the vendor/NVD).
🔒 Custom verification scripts are available for registered users. Sign up free to download automated test scripts.
- Review the CVE details at NVD
- Check vendor security advisories for your specific version
- Test if the vulnerability is exploitable in your environment
- Consider updating to the latest version as a precaution
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Full system compromise with administrative/SYSTEM privileges, allowing complete control over the affected system, data theft, persistence mechanisms, and lateral movement capabilities.
Likely Case
Local privilege escalation from standard user to administrator/SYSTEM privileges, enabling installation of malware, disabling security controls, or accessing protected data.
If Mitigated
Limited impact with proper user access controls, but still presents risk in multi-user environments or where users have local access to vulnerable systems.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires local authenticated access and ability to create symbolic links. Exploitation likely involves timing attacks during installation processes.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Refer to Intel SA-01259 for specific patched versions
Vendor Advisory: https://intel.com/content/www/us/en/security-center/advisory/intel-sa-01259.html
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Visit Intel Security Advisory SA-01259. 2. Identify affected driver versions for your hardware. 3. Download and install updated graphics drivers from Intel Download Center. 4. Restart system after installation.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict Symbolic Link Creation
allPrevent non-administrative users from creating symbolic links to mitigate exploitation vectors
Windows: Configure security policy to restrict symlink creation via Group Policy
Linux: Set kernel.symlink_restrictions or use filesystem ACLs
Least Privilege User Accounts
allEnsure users operate with minimal necessary privileges to limit impact
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict access controls to limit local user access to vulnerable systems
- Monitor for suspicious file system activities and symlink creation attempts
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Intel Graphics Driver version against affected versions listed in Intel SA-01259 advisoryCheck Version:
Windows: dxdiag (Display tab) or Device Manager > Display adapters > Properties > Driver. Linux: glxinfo | grep 'OpenGL version' or check package managerVerify Fix Applied:
Verify installed Intel Graphics Driver version matches or exceeds patched versions from advisory📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual symlink creation events
- Failed privilege escalation attempts
- Suspicious installer process activities
Network Indicators:
- Not network exploitable - focus on host-based detection
SIEM Query:
Windows: EventID 4688 with process name containing Intel installer components AND target path anomalies. Linux: auditd events for symlink() syscalls with suspicious paths