CVE-2025-20093
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability in Intel 800 Series Ethernet drivers allows authenticated local users to escalate privileges due to improper exception handling. It affects Linux systems using vulnerable Intel Ethernet hardware drivers. Attackers with local access can potentially gain root privileges.
💻 Affected Systems
- Intel 800 Series Ethernet Controllers
- Linux kernel-mode driver for Intel Ethernet
⚠️ 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
Complete system compromise with root-level access, allowing installation of persistent malware, data theft, and lateral movement across the network.
Likely Case
Privilege escalation from standard user to root, enabling unauthorized access to sensitive system resources and configuration changes.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if proper access controls and monitoring are in place, with potential detection of privilege escalation attempts.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires local authenticated access and knowledge of driver exploitation techniques. No public exploit code known at this time.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 1.17.2 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://intel.com/content/www/us/en/security-center/advisory/intel-sa-01296.html
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Check current driver version with 'ethtool -i <interface>'. 2. Update Intel Ethernet driver to version 1.17.2 or later. 3. Reboot system to load new driver. 4. Verify update with 'ethtool -i <interface>' showing version >=1.17.2.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict local user access
linuxLimit local user accounts and implement strict access controls to reduce attack surface
Disable affected hardware
linuxTemporarily disable Intel 800 Series Ethernet interfaces if not critical
sudo ip link set <interface> down
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict access controls and monitor for privilege escalation attempts
- Isolate affected systems from critical network segments and implement network segmentation
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Run 'ethtool -i <interface>' and check driver version. If version is below 1.17.2 and interface is Intel 800 Series, system is vulnerable.Check Version:
ethtool -i <interface> | grep versionVerify Fix Applied:
After update, run 'ethtool -i <interface>' and confirm driver version is 1.17.2 or higher.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unexpected privilege escalation events
- Driver crash logs
- Unusual kernel module loading
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections from previously low-privilege accounts
SIEM Query:
source="kernel" AND ("privilege escalation" OR "driver crash" OR "Intel Ethernet driver")