CVE-2025-20625: Intel PROSet/Wireless WiFi DoS Vulnerability

CVE-2025-20625 Overview

CVE-2025-20625 affects Intel PROSet/Wireless WiFi Software for Windows before version 23.110.0.5. The vulnerability stems from an improper conditions check [CWE-754] in the wireless software stack. An unauthenticated attacker on an adjacent network can trigger a denial of service against affected systems.

The flaw requires no privileges and no user interaction. Exploitation occurs over the adjacent network attack vector, meaning the attacker must be within radio range of the target device. Intel published advisory SA-01292 covering this issue alongside related wireless software defects.

Critical Impact
Unauthenticated adjacent attackers can disrupt wireless connectivity on Windows endpoints running vulnerable Intel PROSet/Wireless WiFi Software, causing availability loss without authentication or user interaction.

Affected Products

Intel PROSet/Wireless WiFi Software for Windows before version 23.110.0.5
Windows endpoints using affected Intel wireless drivers
Systems within wireless range of an attacker

Discovery Timeline

2025-08-12 - CVE-2025-20625 published to NVD
2026-04-15 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2025-20625

Vulnerability Analysis

The vulnerability is classified under [CWE-754]: Improper Check for Unusual or Exceptional Conditions. The Intel PROSet/Wireless WiFi Software fails to properly validate specific conditions during wireless protocol processing. This validation gap allows malformed or unexpected input to drive the software into an error state that disrupts availability.

The attack vector is adjacent, restricting exploitation to attackers within wireless range. No authentication or user interaction is required to trigger the condition. The impact is limited to availability — confidentiality and integrity of the host remain intact based on the published vector.

EPSS data places exploitation probability at 0.075% with a percentile of 22.69, reflecting low observed exploitation activity at the time of analysis.

Root Cause

The root cause is an improper conditions check inside the wireless software stack. When the driver or supporting service encounters specific protocol states or frame contents, it fails to handle the exceptional condition safely. This results in a failure mode that interrupts wireless service on the host.

Attack Vector

An attacker positioned within Wi-Fi range of a vulnerable endpoint transmits crafted wireless frames that trigger the unhandled condition. The Intel PROSet/Wireless software processes these frames and enters the faulty state, disrupting connectivity for the target. Refer to the Intel Security Advisory SA-01292 for vendor-supplied technical details.

No public proof-of-concept code is available for CVE-2025-20625 at the time of writing. The vulnerability mechanism is described in prose because no verified exploit samples have been published.

Detection Methods for CVE-2025-20625

Indicators of Compromise

Repeated wireless adapter disconnects or driver resets on Intel-based Windows endpoints
Windows Event Log entries indicating Intel PROSet/Wireless service crashes or restarts
Unexpected loss of Wi-Fi connectivity coinciding with the presence of unknown nearby wireless transmitters

Detection Strategies

Inventory endpoints running Intel PROSet/Wireless WiFi Software and flag versions earlier than 23.110.0.5
Correlate wireless driver fault events with physical proximity data from access point logs
Monitor for abnormal volumes of malformed 802.11 management or control frames in environments with wireless intrusion detection

Monitoring Recommendations

Forward Windows System and Application event logs covering Netwtw*.sys and Intel wireless services to a central log platform
Track driver version compliance across managed endpoints through endpoint management tooling
Alert on clustered Wi-Fi disconnection events affecting multiple users in the same physical location

How to Mitigate CVE-2025-20625

Immediate Actions Required

Update Intel PROSet/Wireless WiFi Software for Windows to version 23.110.0.5 or later on all affected systems
Identify vulnerable endpoints through software inventory and prioritize mobile and field devices that operate in untrusted wireless environments
Validate driver and software versions after patch deployment to confirm remediation

Patch Information

Intel released fixed software in version 23.110.0.5. Patch details and download links are published in the Intel Security Advisory SA-01292. Apply the update through Intel Driver & Support Assistant, OEM update channels, or managed software distribution.

Workarounds

Restrict use of Wi-Fi in untrusted environments until the patch is applied, favoring wired or cellular connectivity where feasible
Disable the Intel wireless adapter on systems that do not require Wi-Fi connectivity
Use enterprise wireless intrusion prevention systems to identify and block rogue transmitters in sensitive locations

bash

# Verify installed Intel PROSet/Wireless WiFi Software version on Windows
Get-CimInstance Win32_PnPSignedDriver | \
  Where-Object { $_.DeviceName -like "*Intel*Wireless*" } | \
  Select-Object DeviceName, DriverVersion, DriverDate