CVE-2025-32088
📋 TL;DR
An improper conditions check in Intel QAT Windows software before version 2.6.0 allows authenticated local users to cause denial of service via low-complexity attacks. This affects systems running vulnerable Intel QuickAssist Technology software on Windows. The vulnerability requires local access but no special privileges or user interaction.
💻 Affected Systems
- Intel QuickAssist Technology (QAT) Windows software
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Authenticated local attacker causes system instability or service disruption affecting Intel QAT functionality, potentially impacting dependent applications.
Likely Case
Local user with standard privileges triggers denial of service condition affecting Intel QAT services, requiring system restart to restore functionality.
If Mitigated
With proper patching, no impact; with network segmentation and least privilege, limited to isolated system disruption.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires authenticated local access; low complexity attack according to CVSS
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 2.6.0 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://intel.com/content/www/us/en/security-center/advisory/intel-sa-01373.html
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Download Intel QAT software version 2.6.0 or later from Intel's website. 2. Run the installer. 3. Follow on-screen instructions. 4. Restart the system when prompted.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict local user access
windowsLimit local user accounts to only trusted personnel to reduce attack surface
Monitor QAT service health
windowsImplement monitoring for Intel QAT service crashes or restarts
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict access controls to limit local user accounts
- Monitor system logs for unusual QAT service activity or crashes
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Intel QAT software version via Windows Programs and Features or run 'wmic product get name,version' and look for Intel QAT entriesCheck Version:
wmic product where "name like '%Intel%QAT%'" get name,versionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify installed version is 2.6.0 or higher using same method as checking vulnerability📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unexpected Intel QAT service crashes
- Application errors related to Intel QAT components
- System event logs showing service failures
Network Indicators:
- None (local attack only)
SIEM Query:
EventID=7034 OR EventID=1000 AND (SourceName contains 'Intel' OR SourceName contains 'QAT')