CVE-2026-23763 is a high-severity local privilege escalation vulnerability found in VB-Audio Software's Matrix and Matrix Coconut products, specifically in the VBMatrix VAIO virtual audio driver (vbmatrixvaio64*_win10.sys). The vulnerability stems from the driver's handling of a 128-byte non-paged pool buffer allocated in kernel memory. When the driver receives the IOCTL code 0x222060, it maps this buffer into user space using an MDL (Memory Descriptor List) and the MmMapLockedPagesSpecifyCache function. However, because the buffer size is not aligned to the system's page size (0x1000 bytes), the mapping inadvertently exposes the entire 4KB kernel page containing the buffer plus adjacent non-paged pool allocations. This mapping grants read and write permissions to user-mode processes, which should never have direct access to kernel memory. An unprivileged local attacker can open a device handle with the required 0x800 attribute flag and invoke the IOCTL to obtain this mapping. This access allows the attacker to read and modify live kernel objects and pointers within the exposed page, effectively bypassing Kernel Address Space Layout Randomization (KASLR). The attacker can corrupt kernel structures and escalate privileges to SYSTEM level, gaining full control over the affected machine. The vulnerability does not require user interaction but does require local access and the ability to open the device handle. The CVSS v4.0 score is 8.5, reflecting high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability with relatively low attack complexity. No public exploits have been reported yet, but the flaw's nature makes it a critical target for attackers seeking local privilege escalation on Windows 10 systems running these audio drivers.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk, especially in environments where VB-Audio Matrix or Matrix Coconut products are deployed on Windows 10 endpoints. Successful exploitation allows attackers with local access to escalate privileges to SYSTEM, potentially leading to full system compromise, data theft, or disruption of services. This is particularly concerning for organizations handling sensitive data, critical infrastructure, or regulated industries such as finance, healthcare, and government. The ability to bypass KASLR and manipulate kernel memory undermines many security controls, increasing the likelihood of persistent and stealthy attacks. Since the vulnerability requires local access, it may be exploited by insiders or through initial footholds gained via other attack vectors. The lack of known exploits in the wild currently reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the threat, as proof-of-concept exploits could emerge rapidly. European organizations with stringent endpoint security policies and monitoring may detect exploitation attempts, but those lacking such controls are at higher risk.

1. Monitor VB-Audio Software advisories and apply vendor patches promptly once released to address this vulnerability. 2. Restrict local access to devices exposing the VBMatrix VAIO virtual audio driver, limiting who can open device handles with the 0x800 attribute flag. 3. Implement strict endpoint security controls, including application whitelisting and least privilege policies, to reduce the risk of local attacker footholds. 4. Employ kernel integrity monitoring and behavior-based detection tools to identify anomalous kernel memory access or manipulation attempts. 5. Conduct regular audits of installed audio drivers and software versions across the enterprise to identify vulnerable systems. 6. Educate users and administrators about the risks of local privilege escalation vulnerabilities and the importance of timely updates. 7. Consider network segmentation and endpoint isolation strategies to contain potential compromises resulting from local exploits. 8. Use Windows security features such as Credential Guard and virtualization-based security to add layers of protection against kernel-level attacks.