CVE-2025-32003: Intel E810 Ethernet Adapter DoS Vulnerability

CVE-2025-32003 Overview

CVE-2025-32003 is an out-of-bounds read vulnerability (CWE-125) affecting the firmware of Intel 100GbE Ethernet Network Adapter E810 devices. This firmware-level flaw exists within Ring 0 (Bare Metal OS) context and allows an authenticated network attacker to trigger a denial of service condition through improper memory access operations.

The vulnerability requires low attack complexity but depends on specific attack prerequisites and specialized knowledge of internal system configurations. While the confidentiality and integrity of the system remain unaffected, successful exploitation can significantly disrupt service availability.

Critical Impact

Authenticated network attackers can cause denial of service on affected Intel E810 100GbE network adapters, potentially disrupting critical network infrastructure in enterprise and data center environments.

Affected Products

• Intel 100GbE Ethernet Network Adapter E810 with CVL firmware versions prior to 1.7.6
• Intel 100GbE Ethernet Network Adapter E810 with CPK firmware versions prior to 1.3.7
• Systems running affected firmware in Ring 0/Bare Metal OS configurations

Discovery Timeline

• 2026-02-10 - CVE-2025-32003 published to NVD
• 2026-02-10 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2025-32003

Vulnerability Analysis

This out-of-bounds read vulnerability resides in the firmware code responsible for processing network data within the Intel E810 100GbE Ethernet Network Adapter. The vulnerability operates at Ring 0 privilege level, which represents the highest execution privilege in the x86 architecture where the firmware runs with bare metal access to system resources.

The out-of-bounds read condition occurs when the firmware attempts to access memory locations beyond the allocated buffer boundaries during network packet processing or internal firmware operations. This improper memory access can lead to system instability and denial of service.

The attack requires network accessibility and authenticated access, combined with specific prerequisites that suggest certain network conditions or configurations must be present for exploitation. The attacker would also need specialized knowledge of the internal firmware structures to successfully trigger the vulnerability.

Root Cause

The root cause of CVE-2025-32003 is improper bounds checking in the Intel E810 firmware code. When processing certain data structures, the firmware fails to adequately validate that memory read operations remain within allocated buffer boundaries. This CWE-125 (Out-of-bounds Read) condition allows reading data from memory locations outside the intended buffer, which can cause unpredictable firmware behavior and system crashes.

The vulnerability specifically affects the low-level firmware operations running in Ring 0 context, where memory protection mechanisms are minimal and improper memory access can have significant impact on system stability.

Attack Vector

The attack vector for this vulnerability is network-based, requiring an authenticated user to initiate the exploit. The attacker must craft specific network traffic or firmware interactions that trigger the out-of-bounds read condition. Key characteristics of the attack include:

The vulnerability is exploitable over the network, meaning remote attackers with authenticated access to the affected network infrastructure can potentially trigger the flaw. However, the attack requires specific prerequisites (AT:P in CVSS 4.0 terminology) suggesting that certain environmental conditions must be met.

The exploitation does not require user interaction and can be achieved with low complexity once the attack requirements are satisfied. The specialized internal knowledge requirement indicates that attackers would need detailed understanding of Intel E810 firmware internals to successfully exploit this vulnerability.

For detailed technical information on the vulnerability mechanism, refer to the Intel Security Advisory SA-01171.

Detection Methods for CVE-2025-32003

Indicators of Compromise

• Unexpected network adapter crashes or system instability on servers utilizing Intel E810 100GbE adapters
• Firmware error logs indicating memory access violations or read faults within the E810 adapter
• Repeated network interface resets without corresponding network topology changes
• System event logs showing Ring 0 or firmware-level exceptions from network adapter components

Detection Strategies

• Monitor system logs for firmware-level errors or exceptions from Intel E810 network adapters
• Implement network traffic analysis to detect anomalous patterns targeting network adapter firmware
• Use firmware version auditing tools to identify systems running vulnerable firmware versions (CVL < 1.7.6, CPK < 1.3.7)
• Deploy endpoint detection rules to alert on network adapter instability events

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable verbose logging on systems with Intel E810 adapters to capture firmware-level events
• Implement asset inventory tracking for network adapter firmware versions across the infrastructure
• Configure alerting for denial of service indicators such as repeated adapter failures or connectivity drops
• Establish baseline network adapter performance metrics to detect anomalous behavior

How to Mitigate CVE-2025-32003

Immediate Actions Required

• Update Intel E810 100GbE Ethernet Network Adapter firmware to CVL version 1.7.6 or later
• Update Intel E810 100GbE Ethernet Network Adapter firmware to CPK version 1.3.7 or later
• Audit all systems with Intel E810 adapters to identify affected firmware versions
• Prioritize patching for systems in critical network infrastructure roles

Patch Information

Intel has released updated firmware to address this vulnerability. Affected users should obtain the patched firmware versions from Intel:

• CVL firmware version 1.7.6 or later
• CPK firmware version 1.3.7 or later

For complete patch information and download links, consult the Intel Security Advisory SA-01171.

Workarounds

• Restrict network access to management interfaces of affected network adapters where possible
• Implement network segmentation to limit authenticated user access to systems with vulnerable firmware
• Monitor affected systems closely for signs of exploitation until firmware updates can be applied
• Consider temporary deployment of alternative network adapters for critical systems if immediate patching is not feasible

# Firmware version verification example
# Check Intel E810 firmware version on Linux systems
ethtool -i eth0 | grep -i firmware
# Review system logs for adapter errors
dmesg | grep -i e810
journalctl -u NetworkManager | grep -i e810