Intel(R) Processors: Improper Isolation or Compartmentalization
CVE-2025-20109 is a high-severity improper isolation or compartmentalization vulnerability in Intel(R) Processors, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.8 out of 10. It can be exploited with local access to the system by an attacker with a low-privileged account, without any action from a user. Affected Intel(R) Processors versions: See references. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.16% 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) Processors you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intel(R) Processors | Intel(R) Processors | See references | 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
- HighSuccess depends on conditions outside the attacker's control.
- Privileges required
- LowA basic user account is enough.
- User interaction
- NoneNo action by a victim is required.
- 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:H/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by CNA (intel.com).
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 4.0 | 7.3 | High | CNA (intel.com) |
| CVSS 3.1 | 7.8 | High | CNA (intel.com) |
Official description
Improper Isolation or Compartmentalization in the stream cache mechanism for some Intel(R) Processors may allow an authenticated 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: Improper Isolation or Compartmentalization
The product does not properly compartmentalize or isolate functionality, processes, or resources that require different privilege levels, rights, or permissions.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Break up privileges between different modules, objects, or entities. Minimize the interfaces between modules and require strong access control between them.
More Improper Isolation or Compartmentalization vulnerabilities (CWE-653)
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
Other references
Other vulnerabilities in Intel(R) Processors
- 7.0 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 8.2 High severity
Recent Improper Isolation or Compartmentalization vulnerabilities
- 8.8 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 9.1 Critical severity
- 7.1 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 4.4 Medium severity
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