CVE-2025-33000
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes an improper input validation vulnerability in Intel QuickAssist Technology (QAT) that allows authenticated local users to escalate privileges. Attackers with local access can exploit this to gain higher system privileges without user interaction. Systems using Intel QAT versions before 2.6.0 are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- Intel QuickAssist Technology (QAT)
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete system compromise where an authenticated attacker gains root/administrator privileges, potentially leading to data theft, system manipulation, or persistence mechanisms.
Likely Case
Local privilege escalation allowing attackers to bypass security controls, install malware, or access restricted system resources.
If Mitigated
Limited impact with proper access controls, monitoring, and network segmentation preventing lateral movement.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires authenticated local access. Attack complexity is rated as low by the CVSS score.
🛠️ 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 version 2.6.0 or later from Intel's website. 2. Stop QAT services. 3. Install the updated QAT driver package. 4. Reboot the system. 5. Verify the new version is active.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable QAT if not required
linuxTemporarily disable Intel QuickAssist Technology if cryptographic acceleration is not essential for system operation.
sudo systemctl stop qat_service
sudo modprobe -r qat_driver
Restrict local user access
allImplement strict access controls to limit which users have local login privileges on affected systems.
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict principle of least privilege for all user accounts
- Enable detailed auditing and monitoring of privilege escalation attempts
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check QAT driver version: On Linux: 'modinfo qat_driver | grep version' or check installed packages. On Windows: Check installed programs for Intel QAT version.Check Version:
Linux: 'cat /sys/kernel/debug/qat_*/fw_version' or check package manager. Windows: Check Programs and Features or device manager properties.Verify Fix Applied:
Verify QAT version is 2.6.0 or higher using the same commands as checking vulnerability.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Failed privilege escalation attempts
- Unusual QAT driver activity
- Unexpected process execution with elevated privileges
Network Indicators:
- None - this is a local privilege escalation vulnerability
SIEM Query:
EventID=4688 OR Process creation with parent-child privilege mismatch OR Failed privilege escalation attempts