CVE-2025-21093
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability in Intel Driver & Support Assistant Tool allows authenticated local users to escalate privileges by manipulating the software's search path. It affects users running vulnerable versions of the software on Windows systems. Attackers could gain higher system privileges than intended.
💻 Affected Systems
- Intel Driver & Support Assistant Tool
⚠️ 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
An authenticated attacker could gain SYSTEM/administrator privileges, potentially leading to complete system compromise, data theft, or persistence mechanisms.
Likely Case
Local authenticated users (including low-privilege accounts) could elevate to administrator privileges to install malware, modify system settings, or access protected data.
If Mitigated
With proper access controls and patching, the risk is limited to authorized users who would need physical or remote access to execute the attack.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires authenticated local access and knowledge of DLL hijacking/search path manipulation techniques.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 24.6.49.8 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://intel.com/content/www/us/en/security-center/advisory/intel-sa-01321.html
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Open Intel Driver & Support Assistant. 2. Check for updates in the application. 3. Install version 24.6.49.8 or later. 4. Alternatively, download from Intel's official website.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Remove vulnerable software
WindowsUninstall Intel Driver & Support Assistant if not needed
Control Panel > Programs > Uninstall a program > Select Intel Driver & Support Assistant > Uninstall
Restrict local access
allLimit local user access to systems with vulnerable software
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement least privilege principles - ensure users don't have unnecessary local access
- Monitor for suspicious DLL loading or privilege escalation attempts
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Intel Driver & Support Assistant version in Control Panel > Programs or within the application's about/settings section.Check Version:
wmic product where name="Intel Driver & Support Assistant" get versionVerify Fix Applied:
Confirm version is 24.6.49.8 or higher in the application or Control Panel.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unexpected DLL loading from non-standard paths
- Privilege escalation events in Windows Security logs
- Process creation with unexpected parent-child relationships
Network Indicators:
- Not network exploitable - local privilege escalation only
SIEM Query:
EventID=4688 AND (NewProcessName contains "Intel Driver" OR ParentProcessName contains "Intel Driver") AND SubjectUserName != SYSTEM