CVE-2026-12166 in GameFirst Anti-Cheat
Summary
by MITRE • 07/02/2026
A NULL pointer dereference vulnerability for driver `GFAC_Sys_x64.sys` in Little Orbit GFAC allows a local attacker to cause a denial of service via crafted requests that trigger a system crash.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/02/2026
The vulnerability identified in the Little Orbit GFAC driver component represents a critical null pointer dereference flaw within the kernel-mode driver GFAC_Sys_x64.sys. This type of vulnerability falls under the common weakness enumeration CWE-476 which specifically addresses NULL pointer dereferences in software systems. The driver operates at the kernel level and handles system-level operations, making any instability in its execution particularly dangerous for overall system integrity. When a local attacker crafts specific requests that traverse through this driver interface, the system crashes due to the driver attempting to access memory locations pointed to by null references without proper validation mechanisms.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires local system access and leverages the inherent trust relationships within kernel-mode drivers. Attackers can manipulate driver interfaces to send malformed input data that causes the driver to execute code paths leading to null pointer dereference conditions. This specific flaw demonstrates poor defensive programming practices where input validation is insufficient or completely absent before dereferencing pointers. The operating system's kernel protection mechanisms fail to prevent this invalid memory access pattern from propagating to system termination states, resulting in immediate denial of service conditions that can crash the entire operating system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption as it provides an attacker with a reliable method for system instability and potential privilege escalation opportunities. Local attackers who gain access to systems running vulnerable GFAC driver versions can repeatedly trigger these crashes to maintain persistent denial of service conditions. The vulnerability's characteristics align with attack techniques documented under the MITRE ATT&CK framework, specifically relating to privilege escalation and defense evasion tactics where system stability is compromised through kernel-level manipulation. System administrators face challenges in detecting such attacks as they often appear as legitimate driver crashes or system errors rather than malicious activity.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate operational concerns and long-term security posture improvements. The primary recommended approach involves updating to patched versions of the Little Orbit GFAC software that include proper pointer validation and null checks within the driver code. Security teams should implement monitoring for unusual driver behavior patterns and establish automated alerting mechanisms for system crash events originating from kernel-mode components. Additionally, operating system hardening measures including kernel patch protection and driver signature enforcement can prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities in the future. Network segmentation and principle of least privilege implementations help limit potential attack surface while maintaining operational functionality. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of secure coding practices within kernel-mode drivers and the need for comprehensive code review processes that specifically target memory safety issues.