CVE-2025-20062 is a high-severity vulnerability affecting Intel(R) PROSet/Wireless WiFi Software for Windows versions prior to 23.100. The flaw is characterized as a use-after-free condition, which occurs when the software improperly manages memory by referencing freed memory locations. This vulnerability can be exploited by an unauthenticated attacker with adjacent network access, meaning the attacker must be on the same local network segment or within wireless range to the target device. Exploitation of this vulnerability can lead to a denial of service (DoS) condition, causing the affected software or device to crash or become unresponsive, disrupting wireless connectivity. The CVSS 4.0 vector indicates the attack requires adjacent network access (AV:A), high attack complexity (AC:H), no privileges or user interaction required (PR:N, UI:N), and results in high impact on availability (VA:H) without affecting confidentiality or integrity. The vulnerability does not require authentication or user interaction, increasing its risk in environments where attackers can gain local network access. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, but the potential for disruption in wireless network availability is significant, especially in enterprise or critical infrastructure environments relying on Intel wireless drivers. The vulnerability was reserved in October 2024 and published in May 2025, indicating recent discovery and disclosure. Intel PROSet/Wireless WiFi Software is widely used in Windows-based laptops and desktops with Intel wireless adapters, making this vulnerability relevant for a broad user base. The lack of a publicly available patch link suggests organizations should monitor Intel advisories closely for updates and mitigation guidance.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a risk primarily to the availability of wireless network services. Disruption of WiFi connectivity can severely impact business operations, especially in sectors relying on wireless networks for critical communications, such as finance, healthcare, manufacturing, and government services. Denial of service attacks exploiting this vulnerability could lead to operational downtime, loss of productivity, and potential safety risks in environments where wireless connectivity supports essential functions. Given the vulnerability requires only adjacent network access, attackers could exploit it from within corporate premises, public WiFi hotspots, or other local network environments, increasing the attack surface. The impact is heightened in organizations with large deployments of Intel wireless hardware and Windows systems, which are common in Europe. Additionally, the high attack complexity somewhat limits exploitation to skilled attackers with network proximity, but the lack of authentication or user interaction requirements means that once local access is gained, exploitation is straightforward. This vulnerability could also be leveraged as part of multi-stage attacks to disrupt network availability or as a diversion while other attacks are conducted.

European organizations should prioritize the following mitigation steps: 1) Inventory and identify all systems running Intel(R) PROSet/Wireless WiFi Software for Windows, particularly versions prior to 23.100. 2) Monitor Intel's official channels for the release of patches addressing CVE-2025-20062 and apply updates promptly once available. 3) Implement network segmentation and access controls to limit adjacent network access, especially in wireless environments, restricting access to trusted devices and users. 4) Employ wireless network monitoring to detect unusual disconnections or service disruptions that may indicate exploitation attempts. 5) Use endpoint protection solutions capable of detecting anomalous behavior related to wireless driver crashes or memory corruption. 6) Educate IT staff on the risks of local network attacks and enforce policies to secure physical and wireless network access points. 7) Consider temporary workarounds such as disabling affected wireless adapters or using alternative network interfaces if patching is delayed and risk is high. These measures go beyond generic advice by focusing on controlling local network access and proactive monitoring tailored to the nature of this vulnerability.