KernCoreLib64.sys: Exposed IOCTL with Insufficient Access Control
CVE-2026-57851 is a high-severity exposed IOCTL with insufficient access control vulnerability in KernCoreLib64.sys from Micro-Star International (MSI), with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.8 out of 10. It can be exploited with local access to the system by an attacker with a low-privileged account, without any action from a user. Affected KernCoreLib64.sys versions: 1.0.2605.1301 and earlier. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.17% chance of exploitation within 30 days, which is low compared with other CVEs.
High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.
What to do
- Check which version of KernCoreLib64.sys you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Micro-Star International (MSI) | KernCoreLib64.sys | 1.0.2605.1301 and earlier | Not stated |
Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.
How the severity score breaks down
- Attack vector
- LocalThe attacker needs local access or must trick a user into running something.
- Attack complexity
- LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
- Privileges required
- LowA basic user account is enough.
- User interaction
- NoneNo action by a victim is required.
- Scope
- UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
- Confidentiality
- HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
- Integrity
- HighData or code can be modified at will.
- Availability
- HighThe component can be taken down completely.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by CNA (vulncheck.com).
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 4.0 | 8.5 | High | CNA (vulncheck.com) |
| CVSS 3.1 | 7.8 | High | CNA (vulncheck.com) |
Official description
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.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Exposed IOCTL with Insufficient Access Control
The product implements an IOCTL with functionality that should be restricted, but it does not properly enforce access control for the IOCTL.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- In Windows environments, use proper access control for the associated device or device namespace. See References.
More Exposed IOCTL with Insufficient Access Control vulnerabilities (CWE-782)
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: poc, automatable: no, technical impact: total).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Other references
Recent Exposed IOCTL with Insufficient Access Control vulnerabilities
- 8.5 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.0 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.0 High severity
- 8.7 High severity
Spotted an error? Tell us.