CVE-2026-20718: Escalation of Privilege in Intel(R) NPU Driver software installers
CVE-2026-20718 is a medium severity vulnerability in Intel(R) NPU Driver software installers before version 32.0.100.4511. It involves incorrect default permissions that may allow an authenticated, unprivileged local user to escalate privileges through a high complexity attack requiring active user interaction. The vulnerability impacts confidentiality, integrity, and availability at a high level within the vulnerable system context, but does not extend to subsequent system-wide impacts. No known exploits are reported in the wild, and no official patch or remediation guidance is currently provided by the vendor.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
This vulnerability arises from incorrect default permissions in Intel(R) NPU Driver software installers prior to version 32.0.100.4511. An unprivileged user with local access and authentication, combined with a high complexity attack and active user interaction, may escalate privileges within Ring 3 user applications. The CVSS 4.0 score is 5.4 (medium severity), reflecting local attack vector, high attack complexity, required privileges and user interaction, and high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability within the vulnerable component. No vendor remediation level or patch information is currently available.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation could allow an authenticated local user to escalate privileges within the Intel NPU driver software installer environment, potentially compromising confidentiality, integrity, and availability of that component. However, the vulnerability does not lead to broader system-level impacts beyond the affected software installer context. There are no known exploits in the wild at this time.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Until an official fix is released, limit local user access to trusted individuals and avoid executing untrusted software installers. Monitor vendor communications for updates on patches or mitigations.
CVE-2026-20718: Escalation of Privilege in Intel(R) NPU Driver software installers
Description
CVE-2026-20718 is a medium severity vulnerability in Intel(R) NPU Driver software installers before version 32.0.100.4511. It involves incorrect default permissions that may allow an authenticated, unprivileged local user to escalate privileges through a high complexity attack requiring active user interaction. The vulnerability impacts confidentiality, integrity, and availability at a high level within the vulnerable system context, but does not extend to subsequent system-wide impacts. No known exploits are reported in the wild, and no official patch or remediation guidance is currently provided by the vendor.
CVSS v4.0
Score 5.4medium
Affected software
AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
This vulnerability arises from incorrect default permissions in Intel(R) NPU Driver software installers prior to version 32.0.100.4511. An unprivileged user with local access and authentication, combined with a high complexity attack and active user interaction, may escalate privileges within Ring 3 user applications. The CVSS 4.0 score is 5.4 (medium severity), reflecting local attack vector, high attack complexity, required privileges and user interaction, and high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability within the vulnerable component. No vendor remediation level or patch information is currently available.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation could allow an authenticated local user to escalate privileges within the Intel NPU driver software installer environment, potentially compromising confidentiality, integrity, and availability of that component. However, the vulnerability does not lead to broader system-level impacts beyond the affected software installer context. There are no known exploits in the wild at this time.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Until an official fix is released, limit local user access to trusted individuals and avoid executing untrusted software installers. Monitor vendor communications for updates on patches or mitigations.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- intel
- Date Reserved
- 2025-12-03T17:58:55.192Z
- Cvss Version
- 4.0
- State
- PUBLISHED
- Remediation Level
- null
Threat ID: 6a03656ccbff5d861008d8ca
Added to database: 05/12/2026, 17:37:48 UTC
Last enriched: 05/19/2026, 18:55:53 UTC
Last updated: 07/03/2026, 20:51:26 UTC
Views: 69
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