CVE-2025-25273
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability in Intel 700 Series Ethernet kernel-mode drivers allows authenticated local users to escalate privileges through insufficient control flow management. It affects Linux systems using vulnerable Intel Ethernet drivers before version 2.28.5. Attackers with local access can potentially gain elevated system privileges.
💻 Affected Systems
- Intel(R) 700 Series Ethernet Controllers
⚠️ 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 root privileges, allowing complete control over the affected system, data theft, and lateral movement capabilities.
Likely Case
Local privilege escalation from a standard user account to root/administrator level, enabling installation of malware, persistence mechanisms, or credential harvesting.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if proper access controls restrict local user accounts and driver loading is controlled, though authenticated users could still exploit.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires authenticated local access. Exploitation involves control flow manipulation in kernel-space driver.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 2.28.5
Vendor Advisory: https://intel.com/content/www/us/en/security-center/advisory/intel-sa-01335.html
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Download Intel Ethernet driver version 2.28.5 or later from Intel's website. 2. Stop network services. 3. Unload current driver module. 4. Install updated driver. 5. Reboot system. 6. Verify driver version.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict Driver Loading
linuxPrevent loading of vulnerable Intel Ethernet driver module
echo 'blacklist igb' >> /etc/modprobe.d/blacklist.conf
update-initramfs -u
reboot
Restrict Local User Privileges
linuxImplement strict access controls to limit local user capabilities
usermod -aG restricted_users username
setfacl -m u:username:r-x /dev/mem
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict access controls to limit local user accounts and prevent unauthorized local access
- Monitor for suspicious privilege escalation attempts and driver module loading activities
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Intel Ethernet driver version: modinfo igb | grep versionCheck Version:
modinfo igb | grep versionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify driver version is 2.28.5 or later: modinfo igb | grep -i 'version: 2.28.5'📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Kernel logs showing driver loading/unloading anomalies
- System logs showing privilege escalation attempts
- Audit logs for module loading events
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections following local privilege escalation
SIEM Query:
source="kernel" AND "igb" AND ("loading" OR "unloading")