CVE-2026-18485: CWE-1285 Improper validation of specified index, position, or offset in input in NI NI-PAL
There is a local privilege escalation vulnerability recently discovered in the NI-PAL kernel driver. This may allow a local, authenticated user to escalate privileges and execute arbitrary code. This vulnerability affects NI-PAL 26.3.1 and prior versions running on Microsoft Windows.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
This vulnerability (CVE-2026-18485) in the NI-PAL kernel driver arises from improper validation of specified index, position, or offset in input, classified under CWE-1285. It enables a local, authenticated user to escalate privileges and execute arbitrary code on affected systems running Microsoft Windows. The issue affects NI-PAL versions 26.3.1 and prior. The CVSS 4.0 base score is 8.5, reflecting high impact with low attack complexity and no user interaction required. No vendor advisory or patch information is currently provided.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation allows a local authenticated user to escalate privileges to higher levels and execute arbitrary code within the kernel driver context. This can compromise system integrity and security on affected Windows systems running NI-PAL 26.3.1 or earlier.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Until an official fix is released, restrict local access to trusted users only and monitor for suspicious activity related to NI-PAL usage.
CVE-2026-18485: CWE-1285 Improper validation of specified index, position, or offset in input in NI NI-PAL
Description
There is a local privilege escalation vulnerability recently discovered in the NI-PAL kernel driver. This may allow a local, authenticated user to escalate privileges and execute arbitrary code. This vulnerability affects NI-PAL 26.3.1 and prior versions running on Microsoft Windows.
CVSS v4.0
Score 8.5high
Affected software
NI
NI-PAL
Weaknesses
AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
This vulnerability (CVE-2026-18485) in the NI-PAL kernel driver arises from improper validation of specified index, position, or offset in input, classified under CWE-1285. It enables a local, authenticated user to escalate privileges and execute arbitrary code on affected systems running Microsoft Windows. The issue affects NI-PAL versions 26.3.1 and prior. The CVSS 4.0 base score is 8.5, reflecting high impact with low attack complexity and no user interaction required. No vendor advisory or patch information is currently provided.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation allows a local authenticated user to escalate privileges to higher levels and execute arbitrary code within the kernel driver context. This can compromise system integrity and security on affected Windows systems running NI-PAL 26.3.1 or earlier.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Until an official fix is released, restrict local access to trusted users only and monitor for suspicious activity related to NI-PAL usage.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- NI
- Date Reserved
- 2026-07-31T13:23:54.979Z
- Cvss Version
- 4.0
- State
- PUBLISHED
Threat ID: 6a738b03bf8831d53956b2a4
Added to database: 08/05/2026, 19:12:03 UTC
Last enriched: 08/05/2026, 19:26:47 UTC
Last updated: 09/18/2026, 02:15:55 UTC
Views: 63
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