MSI KernCoreLib64.sys Privilege Escalation via IOCTL Handlers
Key facts
- Attack vector
- Local
- Privileges required
- Low
- User interaction
- None
- Attack complexity
- Low
- Attack requirements
- None
- Impact type
- —
- Confidentiality · integrity · availability
- High · High · High
- Fix status
- No fix listed
Attack profile from CVSS 4.0 · CNA. Fix status from CNA.
Summary
MSI Feature Manager contains a local privilege escalation vulnerability in the KernCoreLib64.sys kernel driver that allows any locally logged-on user to perform arbitrary physical memory read/write and unrestricted I/O port operations by accessing exposed IOCTL handlers without administrator privileges. Attackers can exploit the accessible device object through IOCTL handlers to manipulate kernel objects, tamper with kernel-mode callbacks, bypass Protected Process Light protections, and disable security software.
Why it matters now
SSVC decision points
CISA ADP · SSVC 2.0.3
- Exploitation
- Poc
- Automatable
- No
- Technical impact
- Total
The decision (Track, Attend, Act) also depends on your mission and well-being impact; see CISA's SSVC guide.
Affected products
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in | Status | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Micro-Star International (MSI) | KernCoreLib64.sys | up to 1.0.2605.1301 | — | No fix listed | CNA |
- KernCoreLib64.sys VendorMicro-Star International (MSI) Affected up to 1.0.2605.1301 Fixed in — No fix listed CNA
Remediation
No fixed version listed by the sources yet.
Timeline
- 2026-10-02 Threatist record created from CVE-2026-57851
- 2026-10-03 Alias added: GHSA-9cv5-2h9v-98p5
References
Exploit 1
Sources
- CVE-2026-57851 · CVE Program
- CVE-2026-57851 · NVD
- FIRST EPSS
- GHSA-9cv5-2h9v-98p5 · GitHub Advisory Database · CC BY 4.0
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