CVE-2026-20737 Overview
CVE-2026-20737 is an information disclosure vulnerability in Intel(R) PROSet/Wireless WiFi Software for Windows. The flaw resides within Ring 2 device drivers and exposes sensitive information to an unauthorized actor. An unprivileged local adversary can leverage the exposed data to achieve local code execution and escalate privileges.
The vulnerability is cataloged under [CWE-200] (Exposure of Sensitive Information to an Unauthorized Actor). Intel published the issue in advisory SA-01422. While the direct confidentiality impact on the vulnerable component is low, the subsequent impact on system confidentiality is high, with additional integrity and availability effects on downstream systems.
Critical Impact
A local unprivileged attacker can extract sensitive driver information from Intel PROSet/Wireless WiFi Software and use it to execute code and escalate privileges on affected Windows systems.
Affected Products
- Intel(R) PROSet/Wireless WiFi Software for Windows
- Intel Wireless device drivers operating within Ring 2
- See Intel Security Advisory SA-01422 for the complete list of affected versions
Discovery Timeline
- 2026-08-11 - CVE-2026-20737 published to NVD
- 2026-08-12 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2026-20737
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability exists in the Intel PROSet/Wireless WiFi Software device driver stack running at Ring 2 privilege. Ring 2 code operates with elevated privileges relative to standard user-mode processes and interacts directly with hardware resources. The driver improperly exposes sensitive information to unprivileged callers.
An unauthenticated local adversary can retrieve driver-controlled data without special internal knowledge or user interaction. The exposed information provides sufficient context for the attacker to stage local code execution. Once executed, the attacker gains elevated capabilities on the host and can influence downstream system confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
The attack requires local access only and carries low attack complexity. No user interaction is needed, and the adversary does not require prior authentication to the target.
Root Cause
The root cause is improper information exposure by a privileged driver component ([CWE-200]). The driver returns or leaks data that should remain isolated from unprivileged user-mode software. Combined with the driver's Ring 2 execution context, the exposed data can be repurposed to break process isolation boundaries.
Attack Vector
Exploitation requires local access to a Windows host running a vulnerable version of Intel PROSet/Wireless WiFi Software. An unprivileged process interacts with the driver interface to retrieve sensitive data. The attacker then uses that data to construct a local code execution primitive. Intel's advisory SA-01422 documents the affected components and vendor guidance.
No public proof-of-concept exploit is currently available, and the vulnerability is not listed on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.
Detection Methods for CVE-2026-20737
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected user-mode processes issuing IOCTL requests to Intel PROSet/Wireless WiFi driver interfaces
- Presence of outdated Intel PROSet/Wireless WiFi Software versions listed in Intel SA-01422
- New processes spawning with elevated privileges following interaction with the wireless driver stack
Detection Strategies
- Inventory endpoints for Intel PROSet/Wireless WiFi Software versions and compare against Intel's fixed release list
- Monitor for unusual device driver interactions originating from unprivileged processes
- Correlate local privilege escalation events with recent activity involving Intel wireless driver components
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable Windows kernel and driver telemetry to capture handle acquisition against wireless driver device objects
- Alert on anomalous privilege transitions on endpoints running Intel wireless hardware
- Track patch compliance for Intel driver updates through endpoint management tooling
How to Mitigate CVE-2026-20737
Immediate Actions Required
- Identify all Windows endpoints running Intel PROSet/Wireless WiFi Software and enumerate installed versions
- Apply the updated Intel PROSet/Wireless WiFi Software release referenced in Intel Security Advisory SA-01422
- Restrict local logon rights on high-value systems until patches are deployed
Patch Information
Intel has published fixed versions of the PROSet/Wireless WiFi Software. Refer to Intel Security Advisory SA-01422 for the specific updated releases and installation guidance. Deploy vendor-provided installers or use Windows Update where applicable.
Workarounds
- Disable the Intel wireless adapter on systems that do not require WiFi connectivity until patched
- Enforce least-privilege policies to limit local unauthenticated code execution paths
- Apply application allowlisting to restrict which processes can interact with the vulnerable driver interface
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
