Intel(R) Simics(R) Package Manager software: Insecure Inherited Permissions
CVE-2025-20008 is a high-severity insecure inherited permissions vulnerability in Intel(R) Simics(R) Package Manager software, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.7 out of 10. It can be exploited with local access to the system by an attacker with administrator privileges, but only if a user takes part, for example by opening a link or file. Affected Intel(R) Simics(R) Package Manager software versions: before version 1.12.0. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.18% chance of exploitation within 30 days, which is low compared with other CVEs.
High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.
What to do
- Check which version of Intel(R) Simics(R) Package Manager software you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
- Because the attack needs a user to take part, warn users about unexpected links and files related to this product until it is patched.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intel(R) Simics(R) Package Manager software | Intel(R) Simics(R) Package Manager software | before version 1.12.0 | Not stated |
Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.
How the severity score breaks down
- Attack vector
- LocalThe attacker needs local access or must trick a user into running something.
- Attack complexity
- LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
- Privileges required
- HighAdministrator-level access is required first.
- User interaction
- RequiredA user must take an action such as opening a file or link.
- Scope
- ChangedThe attack can reach beyond the vulnerable component into other systems.
- Confidentiality
- HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
- Integrity
- HighData or code can be modified at will.
- Availability
- HighThe component can be taken down completely.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:H/UI:R/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by CNA (intel.com).
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 4.0 | 5.4 | Medium | CNA (intel.com) |
| CVSS 3.1 | 7.7 | High | CNA (intel.com) |
Official description
Insecure inherited permissions for some Intel(R) Simics(R) Package Manager software before version 1.12.0 may allow a privileged user to potentially enable escalation of privilege via local access.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Insecure Inherited Permissions
A product defines a set of insecure permissions that are inherited by objects that are created by the program.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Very carefully manage the setting, management, and handling of privileges. Explicitly manage trust zones in the software.
- Compartmentalize the system to have safe areas where trust boundaries can be unambiguously drawn. Do not allow sensitive data to go outside of the trust boundary and always be careful when interfacing with a compartment outside of the safe area. Ensure that appropriate compartmentalization is built into the system design, and the compartmentalization allows for and reinforces privilege separation functionality. Architects and designers should rely on the principle of least privilege to decide the appropriate time to use privileges and the time to drop privileges.
More Insecure Inherited Permissions vulnerabilities (CWE-277)
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: no, technical impact: total).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Recent Insecure Inherited Permissions vulnerabilities
- 7.1 High severity
- 8.3 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 8.4 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
Spotted an error? Tell us.