CVE-2026-40717 is an improper link resolution (link following) flaw in the Dell Monitor driver, version 1.0.0.0. The record scores it 6.6, which is Medium, and says a low privileged local attacker could gain elevated privileges. Dell's advisory DSA-2026-295 lists remediated drivers per monitor model.
What's affected
The CVE record says Dell Monitor driver version 1.0.0.0 is affected across dozens of Dell and Alienware monitor models, such as the AW2526HL, AW2725DM and E2722H. Dell's advisory DSA-2026-295 lists remediated driver versions per model, with release dates between 29 April and 22 June 2026, and links each to its support page.
Dell says the problem exists only in the installer process, not in the installed driver, and that systems with a driver version earlier than 1.0.0.0 do not need to reinstall.
Source conflict to note: the advisory's version wording is ambiguous, because it names 1.0.0.0 as the affected version and also as the first remediated version. We cannot say which build is fixed from that page, so read the model list and download dates in the advisory. Severity is consistent: the record and Dell both give 6.6 (Medium), so the title says Medium.
Weakness class: CWE-59, link following.
How to check if you're exposed
Find the monitor driver in Windows by opening Device Manager, expanding Monitors, and opening the monitor's properties and Driver tab. Compare the version and date with Dell's advisory for your model. Because the flaw is in the installer, the key question is whether you will run, or have recently run, an older driver installer.
For a fleet, check software deployment packages and imaging shares for stored copies of the Dell monitor driver installer, since an old copy can be reused long after the fix.
What to do now
- Download the current Dell monitor driver for your model from the support page linked in DSA-2026-295, and use it for any new installs.
- Remove older monitor driver installers from deployment shares and golden images.
- Do not run an installer from a folder where ordinary users can place files.
- Run installers with elevation only when needed, and from locations that only administrators can write to.
- Note that machines with an older installed driver do not need to reinstall, per Dell.
Why it matters
Link following bugs arise when a program that runs with high privilege writes or reads a file through a path that a low privilege user can replace with a link. The program then acts on a file the user was not meant to reach. Installers are a common place for this because they run elevated and touch many paths.
Here the record says user interaction is required and a local low privilege attacker is needed, which limits the risk. The KEV flag is false and Dell does not report exploitation. It is a Medium issue, so it should go through ordinary patch hygiene, and the main work is cleaning up old installer copies.
Quick check
Do I need to reinstall the driver on existing machines?
Dell says systems with a driver version earlier than 1.0.0.0 do not need to reinstall, because the flaw is in the installer process.
Why is the version wording confusing?
Dell's page names 1.0.0.0 as both the affected and the first remediated version. Use the model list and release dates.
Sources
Last reviewed: 18 October 2026.
