CVE-2025-26404
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability in Intel DSA software allows authenticated local users to escalate privileges by manipulating the search path. It affects systems running vulnerable versions of Intel DSA software where an authenticated attacker has local access. The issue stems from uncontrolled search path elements that could be exploited to load malicious libraries.
💻 Affected Systems
- Intel(R) Driver & Support Assistant (DSA)
⚠️ 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 gains SYSTEM/root privileges on the affected system, potentially leading to complete system compromise, data theft, or persistence establishment.
Likely Case
Privileged local user escalates to higher privileges, enabling installation of malware, modification of system configurations, or access to sensitive data.
If Mitigated
With proper access controls and monitoring, exploitation attempts are detected and blocked, limiting impact to isolated systems.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires local authenticated access and knowledge of the system. No public exploits known at this time.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 25.2.15.9 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://intel.com/content/www/us/en/security-center/advisory/intel-sa-01347.html
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Download Intel DSA version 25.2.15.9 or later from Intel's official website. 2. Run the installer to update the software. 3. Verify the update completed successfully.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict local user privileges
allLimit local user accounts to standard user privileges to reduce attack surface.
Remove vulnerable software
windowsUninstall Intel DSA if not required for system operations.
Control Panel > Programs > Uninstall Intel Driver & Support Assistant
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict access controls to limit local user privileges
- Monitor for suspicious privilege escalation attempts and DLL loading events
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Intel DSA version in program settings or via 'dsa.exe --version' command.Check Version:
dsa.exe --versionVerify Fix Applied:
Confirm Intel DSA version is 25.2.15.9 or higher after update.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual DLL loading from non-standard paths
- Privilege escalation attempts
- Intel DSA process spawning with elevated privileges
Network Indicators:
- Not applicable - local vulnerability
SIEM Query:
EventID=4688 AND ProcessName LIKE '%dsa%' AND NewProcessName LIKE '%cmd%' OR EventID=4688 AND ProcessName LIKE '%dsa%' AND NewProcessName LIKE '%powershell%'