CVE-2025-25273 Overview
CVE-2025-25273 affects the Linux kernel-mode driver for some Intel 700 Series Ethernet adapters before version 2.28.5. The vulnerability stems from insufficient control flow management in the driver [CWE-691]. An authenticated local user can exploit the flaw to potentially escalate privileges on the affected system.
The issue was disclosed in Intel Security Advisory SA-01335. Exploitation requires local access and low privileges, but no user interaction. Successful exploitation impacts confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the host and adjacent components in the kernel context.
Critical Impact
A local authenticated user can escalate privileges to kernel-level execution on hosts running vulnerable Intel 700 Series Ethernet Linux drivers.
Affected Products
- Intel 700 Series Ethernet Linux kernel-mode driver before version 2.28.5
- Linux hosts using the i40e driver family for Intel 700 Series adapters
- Server and workstation deployments with Intel X710, XL710, XXV710, and X722 Ethernet controllers
Discovery Timeline
- 2025-08-12 - CVE-2025-25273 published to NVD
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-25273
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability resides in the Linux kernel-mode driver for Intel 700 Series Ethernet controllers. Insufficient control flow management [CWE-691] means the driver fails to correctly regulate execution paths under specific input or state conditions. This allows an attacker with local access and valid credentials to manipulate driver behavior in ways not anticipated by the developers.
Because the flaw exists in a kernel-mode component, successful exploitation grants execution at ring 0. Attackers can pivot from an unprivileged local account to full kernel context. The impact extends beyond the host, potentially affecting other components sharing the kernel security scope.
The attack complexity is high, indicating that exploitation requires specific conditions or timing. Despite this, the presence of a network driver on nearly every affected host expands the potential attack surface across data centers using Intel 700 Series NICs.
Root Cause
The root cause is improper enforcement of control flow within the driver's execution paths. The driver does not adequately validate state transitions or handle unexpected conditions before continuing operations. Intel resolved the issue in driver version 2.28.5.
Attack Vector
The attack vector is local. An authenticated user with access to the host can trigger the flawed code path through driver interfaces such as ioctl calls, ethtool operations, or netlink sockets. Because no user interaction is required beyond the attacker's own actions, malware or insider threats with shell access can weaponize the flaw. See the Intel Security Advisory SA-01335 for vendor-provided technical context.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-25273
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected kernel module reloads or driver reinitialization events for the i40e module
- Crash dumps or dmesg entries referencing faults in Intel 700 Series driver functions
- Non-administrative processes issuing crafted ioctl or ethtool calls against Intel Ethernet devices
Detection Strategies
- Inventory Linux hosts and confirm the installed Intel Ethernet driver version using ethtool -i <interface>; flag versions earlier than 2.28.5
- Monitor kernel logs for repeated NIC driver errors, oops messages, or unexpected panics tied to the i40e module
- Correlate local privilege escalation alerts with prior activity from low-privileged accounts accessing network device interfaces
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable Linux audit rules on /dev network device nodes and syscalls such as ioctl originating from non-root users
- Forward kernel and audit logs to a central SIEM for long-term correlation and hunting
- Alert on unexpected loading of kernel modules and any process transitioning from an unprivileged UID to UID 0
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-25273
Immediate Actions Required
- Upgrade the Intel 700 Series Ethernet Linux kernel-mode driver to version 2.28.5 or later on all affected hosts
- Restrict local shell access on servers running vulnerable drivers to trusted administrative users only
- Audit recent driver-related kernel events for signs of exploitation attempts
Patch Information
Intel resolved CVE-2025-25273 in Linux driver version 2.28.5. Refer to Intel Security Advisory SA-01335 for the official patched release, download links, and integration guidance for distribution-provided kernel packages.
Workarounds
- Limit interactive login and container escape paths to reduce the pool of authenticated local users
- Apply strict mandatory access controls (SELinux, AppArmor) to constrain user access to network device interfaces
- Where feasible on non-critical hosts, unload the vulnerable driver until the update is deployed using modprobe -r i40e
# Verify installed driver version and update on affected hosts
ethtool -i eth0 | grep -E 'driver|version'
# Expected output should show driver: i40e and version 2.28.5 or later
# After installing the patched driver package, reload the module
sudo modprobe -r i40e && sudo modprobe i40e
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
