CVE-2026-57851 MSI KernCoreLib64.sys Privilege Escalation via IOCTL Handlers
Local attackers can escalate privileges to kernel level via exposed IOCTL handlers in the MSI KernCoreLib64.sys driver, enabling arbitrary memory access and security bypass.
- Exploited in the wild
- Not known
- Login needed
- Any signed-in user
- Attackable
- Local or same network only
- Victim action needed
- Not needed
- Fix
- None listed
What is CVE-2026-57851?
CVE-2026-57851 is a high-severity vulnerability in Micro-Star International (MSI) KernCoreLib64.sys, published on 7 Jul 2026. It can only be exploited from the same machine or local network, with no action from the victim.
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.
Weakness: CWE-782
Which versions are affected by CVE-2026-57851?
How do I fix CVE-2026-57851?
No fix has been published for CVE-2026-57851 yet. Limit exposure of the affected software until one is available.
Is CVE-2026-57851 being exploited?
It is not confirmed as exploited in the wild, but public exploit code for CVE-2026-57851 exists.
Public exploit code: 1 proofs of concept on GitHub.
Sources
Also known as GHSA-9cv5-2h9v-98p5.