CVE-2026-8501
CVE-2026-8501 is a high-severity vulnerability with a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-782.
Key facts
- Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 7.8)
- EPSS exploit prediction: 0% (6th percentile)
- Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
- EU (EUVD) id: EUVD-2026-33669
- Weakness: CWE-782
- Published:
- Last modified:
Description
Improper access control in the PCTCore64.sys Windows kernel driver from PC Tools Internet Security allows user-mode processes to access the PCTCoreDriver WDM device interface and invoke privileged IOCTL handlers. A local attacker with the ability to access or load the affected driver can exploit this vulnerability to perform sensitive and privileged operations on the target system.
Frequently asked questions
- What is CVE-2026-8501?
- Improper access control in the PCTCore64.sys Windows kernel driver from PC Tools Internet Security allows user-mode processes to access the PCTCoreDriver WDM device interface and invoke privileged IOCTL handlers. A local attacker with the ability to access or load the affected driver can exploit this vulnerability to perform sensitive and privileged operations on the target system.
- How severe is CVE-2026-8501?
- CVE-2026-8501 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.
- Is CVE-2026-8501 being actively exploited?
- It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (6th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- How do I fix CVE-2026-8501?
- Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.
- Does CVE-2026-8501 have an EU (EUVD) identifier?
- Yes. CVE-2026-8501 is tracked in the ENISA EU Vulnerability Database (EUVD) as EUVD-2026-33669.
- When was CVE-2026-8501 published?
- CVE-2026-8501 was published on 2026-06-01 and last updated on 2026-06-17.
References
- https://kb.cert.org/vuls/id/158530
- https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/security/application-security/application-control/app-control-for-business/design/microsoft-recommended-driver-block-rules
- https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/win32/secauthz/security-descriptor-definition-language
- https://www.kb.cert.org/vuls/id/158530
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