Intel(R) Xeon(R) 6 Scalable processors: Sequence of Processor Instructions Leads to Unexpected Behavior
CVE-2025-22840 is a high-severity sequence of processor instructions leads to unexpected behavior vulnerability in Intel(R) Xeon(R) 6 Scalable processors, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.4 out of 10. It can be exploited with local access to the system by an attacker with a low-privileged account, but only if a user takes part, for example by opening a link or file. Affected Intel(R) Xeon(R) 6 Scalable 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) Xeon(R) 6 Scalable processors 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) Xeon(R) 6 Scalable processors | Intel(R) Xeon(R) 6 Scalable 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
- 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
- LowPerformance or availability is reduced.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:H/PR:L/UI:R/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:L. Scored by CNA (intel.com).
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 4.0 | 5.3 | Medium | CNA (intel.com) |
| CVSS 3.1 | 7.4 | High | CNA (intel.com) |
Official description
Sequence of processor instructions leads to unexpected behavior for some Intel(R) Xeon(R) 6 Scalable 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: Sequence of Processor Instructions Leads to Unexpected Behavior
Specific combinations of processor instructions lead to undesirable behavior such as locking the processor until a hard reset performed.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Implement a rigorous testing strategy that incorporates randomization to explore instruction sequences that are unlikely to appear in normal workloads in order to identify halt and catch fire instruction sequences.
- Patch operating system to avoid running Halt and Catch Fire type sequences or to mitigate the damage caused by unexpected behavior. See.
More Sequence of Processor Instructions Leads to Unexpected Behavior vulnerabilities (CWE-1281)
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) Xeon(R) 6 Scalable processors
- 7.5 High severity
Recent Sequence of Processor Instructions Leads to Unexpected Behavior vulnerabilities
- 7.8 High severity
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