CVE-2025-26470 in Distribution for Python Software Installers
Summary
by MITRE • 08/12/2025
Incorrect default permissions for some Intel(R) Distribution for Python software installers before version 2025.1.0 may allow an authenticated user to potentially enable escalation of privilege via local access.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/12/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-26470 affects Intel(R) Distribution for Python software installers prior to version 2025.1.0 and represents a critical privilege escalation risk through improper default permissions. This issue stems from the installer's failure to properly configure file and directory permissions during the installation process, creating opportunities for authenticated users to gain elevated privileges through local system access. The flaw specifically impacts the default installation behavior where sensitive components receive overly permissive access controls that should be restricted to administrative users only.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the installer's default permission settings which do not adhere to security best practices for software deployment. When the Intel Distribution for Python software is installed with default parameters, certain directories and files are created with permissions that allow any authenticated user to modify or execute critical components. This misconfiguration creates a path for privilege escalation where a low-privilege user can potentially manipulate the installed software to execute malicious code with elevated privileges. The vulnerability operates under the principle of least privilege violation, where system components are granted more access rights than necessary for their intended functionality.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations relying on Intel Distribution for Python, particularly in environments where multiple users share systems or where security boundaries are not properly enforced. The attack vector requires local access and authentication, making it somewhat limited in scope but still dangerous as it can be exploited by malicious insiders or attackers who have already gained user-level access to a system. The impact extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it can potentially allow attackers to modify system configurations, install additional malware, or access sensitive data processed through the Python environment.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-732: Incorrect Permission Assignment for Critical Resource, which specifically addresses situations where critical system resources are assigned incorrect permissions that allow unauthorized access. Additionally, this issue maps to ATT&CK technique T1068: Exploitation for Privilege Escalation, where adversaries leverage software vulnerabilities to gain elevated privileges. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including updating to Intel Distribution for Python version 2025.1.0 or later, which addresses the permission configuration issues. System administrators should also conduct thorough permission audits of existing installations to ensure no legacy installations contain the vulnerable permission settings. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be implemented to detect similar permission misconfigurations across the enterprise infrastructure.
The broader implications of this vulnerability highlight the importance of proper permission management during software installation processes and underscore the need for security-conscious default configurations. Software vendors must ensure that their installation processes follow secure coding practices and default to restrictive permissions that can only be modified through explicit administrative actions. This vulnerability serves as a reminder that even seemingly minor configuration issues in software installation can create significant security risks, particularly when they involve privilege escalation capabilities that can be exploited to gain system control. Organizations should establish robust software update policies and regularly verify that all installed software maintains proper security configurations to prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities.