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CVE-2025-21086: Escalation of Privilege Vulnerability in Intel’s 700 Series Ethernet Linux Kernel-Mode Driver

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Overview

This report discusses a critical vulnerability, CVE-2025-21086, that affects the Linux kernel-mode driver for Intel’s 700 series Ethernet. Improper input validation in this driver allows potential privilege escalation. The vulnerability poses a significant risk to data integrity and system security and could impact any system running a version of Intel 700 series Ethernet driver before 2.28.5.

Vulnerability Summary

CVE ID: CVE-2025-21086
Severity: High (7.5 CVSS Score)
Attack Vector: Local
Privileges Required: Low
User Interaction: Required
Impact: Potential system compromise or data leakage

Affected Products

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Product | Affected Versions

Intel 700 Series Ethernet Linux Kernel-Mode Driver | Prior to 2.28.5

How the Exploit Works

An authenticated user can exploit this vulnerability by sending a specially crafted input to the affected driver. Due to improper input validation, the malicious input could lead to an escalation of privilege, potentially enabling the user to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges, compromise the system, or cause data leakage.

Conceptual Example Code

Here is a conceptual example of a shell command that could exploit this vulnerability:

$ echo 'malicious_input' | sudo tee /dev/intel700

In this example, `malicious_input` represents a specially crafted input that exploits the improper input validation vulnerability. The `echo` command prints the `malicious_input`, and the `sudo tee` command writes this input to the device file `/dev/intel700`, representing the affected driver. Since `sudo` is used, the command is executed with root privileges, showcasing the potential for privilege escalation.

Mitigation Guidance

Users are strongly advised to apply the vendor patch as soon as possible. If unable to apply the patch immediately, using a Web Application Firewall (WAF) or Intrusion Detection System (IDS) could serve as temporary mitigation. Regularly updating all systems and applications, and following cybersecurity best practices can also help prevent such vulnerabilities.

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Disclaimer:

The information and code presented in this article are provided for educational and defensive cybersecurity purposes only. Any conceptual or pseudocode examples are simplified representations intended to raise awareness and promote secure development and system configuration practices.

Do not use this information to attempt unauthorized access or exploit vulnerabilities on systems that you do not own or have explicit permission to test.

Ameeba and its authors do not endorse or condone malicious behavior and are not responsible for misuse of the content. Always follow ethical hacking guidelines, responsible disclosure practices, and local laws.

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