CVE-2025-33000 Overview
CVE-2025-33000 is an improper input validation vulnerability [CWE-20] affecting Intel QuickAssist Technology (QAT) before version 2.6.0. The flaw resides within Ring 3 user application components and allows an authenticated local user to escalate privileges on affected systems. Intel published the details in security advisory SA-01373.
Exploitation requires local access and low attack complexity. A successful attack impacts confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the vulnerable system at a high level. No user interaction is required.
Critical Impact
Authenticated local attackers can escalate privileges on systems running vulnerable Intel QuickAssist Technology drivers, gaining high impact to confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
Affected Products
- Intel QuickAssist Technology software before version 2.6.0
- Intel QuickAssist Technology for Windows platforms
- Deployments using Ring 3 user application components of Intel QAT
Discovery Timeline
- 2025-11-11 - CVE-2025-33000 published to NVD
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-33000
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability stems from improper input validation within Ring 3 user application components of Intel QuickAssist Technology. Intel QAT provides hardware acceleration for cryptographic and compression workloads through kernel drivers and userspace libraries. When the affected components fail to properly validate input received from local user processes, an authenticated adversary can manipulate that input to trigger unintended behavior in privileged code paths.
The issue affects all releases of Intel QAT software prior to version 2.6.0. Because QAT integrates tightly with system-level acceleration services, escalation from a low-privileged user context to a higher privilege level directly compromises the underlying host.
Root Cause
The root cause is classified as CWE-20 (Improper Input Validation). Affected QAT components in Ring 3 accept input from user applications without applying sufficient validation before that input is processed by privileged logic. This design gap enables state manipulation that the software was not intended to permit.
Attack Vector
The attack vector is local. An attacker must already possess authenticated access to the target system with at least low privileges. From that position, the attacker interacts with the vulnerable Intel QAT interface using crafted input designed to bypass validation. Attack complexity is low, and no user interaction is required. Attack requirements involve conditions present in the deployment environment rather than special internal knowledge.
No public proof-of-concept exploit is currently available, and the vulnerability is not listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog. The EPSS probability is 0.13%.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-33000
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected privilege changes on processes that interact with Intel QAT userspace libraries or devices
- Anomalous local invocations against QAT device interfaces from non-administrative accounts
- Presence of Intel QAT software versions below 2.6.0 reported by asset inventory scans
Detection Strategies
- Inventory endpoints and servers running Intel QAT and flag installations below version 2.6.0
- Monitor for local processes spawning higher-privileged children after interacting with QAT device handles or libraries
- Correlate authentication events with subsequent privileged process creation to identify escalation patterns
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable process creation and command-line auditing on hosts with Intel QAT deployed
- Alert on unauthorized modification of QAT driver files, configuration, or associated services
- Track kernel and driver version telemetry through endpoint management tooling to confirm patch state
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-33000
Immediate Actions Required
- Update Intel QuickAssist Technology software to version 2.6.0 or later on all affected systems
- Identify all hosts using Intel QAT acceleration and prioritize those exposed to multi-user or shared workloads
- Restrict local access to systems running vulnerable QAT versions until patches are applied
Patch Information
Intel released fixes in Intel QuickAssist Technology version 2.6.0. Refer to Intel Security Advisory SA-01373 for the authoritative list of fixed versions, download locations, and deployment guidance.
Workarounds
- Limit local logon rights on affected systems to trusted administrative accounts only
- Disable Intel QAT services or unload associated drivers on systems that do not require hardware acceleration until updates are deployed
- Apply application allowlisting to prevent unauthorized binaries from interacting with QAT interfaces
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
