CVE-2025-22838 in RealSense Dynamic Calibrator Software
Summary
by MITRE • 08/12/2025
Uncontrolled search path for some Intel(R) RealSense(TM) Dynamic Calibrator software before version 2.14.2.0 may allow an authenticated user to potentially enable escalation of privilege via local access.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/12/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-22838 represents a critical security flaw within Intel(R) RealSense(TM) Dynamic Calibrator software versions prior to 2.14.2.0. This issue falls under the category of uncontrolled search path exploitation, a well-documented weakness that has been classified under CWE-427 and CWE-428 within the Common Weakness Enumeration framework. The vulnerability specifically affects the software's handling of dynamic library loading mechanisms, where the application fails to properly validate or sanitize the search paths used to locate required libraries during execution.
The technical flaw manifests when an authenticated user with local access attempts to manipulate the software's library loading behavior. The Dynamic Calibrator software, designed for sensor calibration and configuration tasks, does not adequately restrict the paths from which it loads dynamic libraries, creating an opportunity for privilege escalation. This occurs because the software's search path resolution process does not properly validate the origins of loaded libraries, allowing an attacker to potentially place malicious libraries in directories that are searched before legitimate system libraries. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it requires only local authentication, meaning that any user with valid credentials on the system can exploit this weakness.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it provides a potential foothold for more sophisticated attacks within a compromised system. Attackers could leverage this weakness to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The attack vector is particularly relevant in environments where Intel RealSense sensors are deployed, such as industrial automation systems, security monitoring solutions, or any application requiring precise sensor calibration. The vulnerability could be exploited to gain unauthorized access to sensitive data, modify system configurations, or establish persistent backdoors within the affected environment. Organizations using Intel RealSense technology in critical infrastructure applications face significant risk if this vulnerability remains unpatched.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2025-22838 primarily focus on immediate software updates and system hardening measures. The most effective solution involves upgrading to Intel RealSense Dynamic Calibrator version 2.14.2.0 or later, which includes proper search path validation and sanitization mechanisms. System administrators should also implement additional controls such as restricting write access to directories used by the software, implementing strict library loading policies, and monitoring for suspicious library loading activities. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under privilege escalation techniques, specifically targeting the "Dynamic Link Library Hijacking" tactic. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies to prevent unauthorized libraries from executing, and conduct regular security assessments to identify similar uncontrolled search path vulnerabilities in other system components. Proper system logging and monitoring of library loading activities can help detect exploitation attempts and provide early warning of potential attacks.