CVE-2025-32038 in oneAPI DPC++C++ Compiler Software
Summary
by MITRE • 11/11/2025
Uncontrolled search path for some FPGA Support Package for the Intel oneAPI DPC++C++ Compiler software before version 2025.0.1 within Ring 3: User Applications may allow an escalation of privilege. Unprivileged software adversary with an authenticated user combined with a high complexity attack may enable escalation of privilege. This result may potentially occur via local access when attack requirements are present without special internal knowledge and requires active user interaction. The potential vulnerability may impact the confidentiality (high), integrity (high) and availability (high) of the vulnerable system, resulting in subsequent system confidentiality (none), integrity (none) and availability (none) impacts.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/13/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-32038 represents a critical privilege escalation flaw within the Intel oneAPI DPC++C++ Compiler software ecosystem, specifically affecting FPGA Support Package implementations in Ring 3 user applications. This vulnerability stems from improper handling of search paths that allows malicious actors to manipulate the software's execution environment. The flaw exists in the compiler's support infrastructure rather than the core compilation process itself, making it particularly insidious as it operates at the user application level where standard security boundaries may be relaxed. The vulnerability's classification as uncontrolled search path aligns with CWE-427, which specifically addresses uncontrolled search path vulnerabilities where applications search for resources using insecure path resolution mechanisms.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires a sophisticated attack scenario involving an authenticated user who can leverage local access to manipulate system paths. Attackers must possess high complexity attack capabilities and require active user interaction to succeed, indicating that the vulnerability cannot be exploited remotely without user involvement. The attack vector specifically targets the privilege escalation mechanism within the FPGA support package, where the software's search path resolution allows for arbitrary code execution with elevated privileges. This represents a significant security weakness as the system's integrity is compromised through path manipulation, potentially allowing adversaries to execute malicious code with administrative privileges. The vulnerability's impact extends across all three fundamental security principles with high severity ratings for confidentiality, integrity, and availability, suggesting that successful exploitation could result in complete system compromise.
The operational implications of CVE-2025-32038 are severe given that it affects the Intel oneAPI DPC++C++ Compiler ecosystem, which is widely used for developing high-performance applications including those targeting FPGA accelerators. The vulnerability creates a persistent threat vector that could be exploited by adversaries with moderate to high technical capabilities, particularly those who have already gained user-level access to target systems. The requirement for active user interaction reduces the attack surface compared to fully automated exploits, but increases the potential for targeted attacks against specific users or organizations. Organizations utilizing Intel's FPGA development tools and the oneAPI compiler suite face significant risk of unauthorized privilege escalation, potentially leading to complete system compromise and data exfiltration. The vulnerability's impact on system confidentiality, integrity, and availability demonstrates the critical nature of the flaw, as it could enable adversaries to maintain persistent access, modify system components, or disrupt operations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2025-32038 should prioritize immediate software updates to version 2025.0.1 or later, which contain the necessary patches to address the uncontrolled search path vulnerability. System administrators should implement strict access controls and privilege separation for users who require access to FPGA development environments, limiting the potential impact of successful exploitation. Additional protective measures include monitoring for suspicious path manipulation activities and implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict execution of unauthorized binaries. The vulnerability's characteristics align with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers privilege escalation through local exploitation, and T1548.002, which addresses privilege escalation through abuse of system permissions. Organizations should also consider network segmentation and enhanced logging to detect potential exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments of development environments and automated patch management systems are essential to prevent exploitation of this and similar vulnerabilities. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing to ensure that updates do not introduce compatibility issues with existing FPGA development workflows while maintaining the security integrity of the development environment.