CVE-2026-14960 in Tdelo64.sys
Summary
by MITRE • 07/15/2026
Pegatron `Tdelo64.sys` improperly exposes privileged hardware access functionality through the `\\.\TdeIo` device interface. IOCTL handlers including `TDE_IOCTL_INDEXIO_READ` and `TDE_IOCTL_INDEXIO_WRITE` permit unprivileged user-mode callers to perform arbitrary hardware I/O port reads and writes without authorization checks. A local attacker can abuse this functionality to manipulate hardware registers, tamper with firmware-related interfaces, cause system instability, or establish persistent low-level compromise.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/15/2026
The vulnerability in Pegatron's Tdelo64.sys driver represents a critical privilege escalation flaw that directly undermines system security through improper device interface design. This issue manifests through the exposed \\.\TdeIo device interface which provides unrestricted access to hardware-level operations via IOCTL handlers. The specific functions TDE_IOCTL_INDEXIO_READ and TDE_IOCTL_INDEXIO_WRITE lack any form of authorization validation, allowing any local user-mode process to execute arbitrary I/O port operations without proper privilege verification. This design flaw falls under CWE-284 Access Control Issues, specifically targeting inadequate permissions enforcement at the kernel level where hardware access controls should be strictly enforced.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability enables attackers to perform direct hardware register manipulation through standard I/O port operations that should normally require kernel-level privileges or administrative rights. When unprivileged user-mode applications can invoke these IOCTL handlers, they gain the ability to read and write directly to hardware memory-mapped regions, potentially accessing sensitive system components including firmware interfaces, configuration registers, and other low-level system resources. The absence of proper access control mechanisms creates a path for malicious code execution at the kernel level through legitimate driver interfaces that were intended for authorized system management purposes.
Operationally, this vulnerability presents significant risks to system integrity and stability as local attackers can exploit the exposed hardware access functions to modify critical system parameters without detection. The ability to perform arbitrary I/O port reads and writes opens pathways for firmware tampering, which could lead to persistent backdoor installation or complete system compromise. Attackers may leverage this functionality to manipulate hardware state, corrupt system memory, or disable security features that depend on proper hardware register configuration. The instability risk extends beyond simple privilege escalation as hardware-level modifications can cause unpredictable behavior in system components, potentially leading to system crashes or data corruption scenarios.
Mitigation strategies must focus on immediate driver patching and access control enforcement through proper kernel-mode validation of all IOCTL requests. System administrators should implement strict device access controls through Windows security policies and consider disabling unnecessary hardware interfaces that provide direct access to privileged system resources. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, Privilege Escalation through Local Exploitation, where attackers use driver vulnerabilities to gain elevated privileges. Additionally, organizations should employ runtime monitoring solutions to detect suspicious I/O port activity and implement proper code review processes for kernel drivers to prevent similar access control bypasses in future software releases. Regular security assessments of system drivers and hardware interfaces remain essential to identify and remediate such critical exposure points that could enable persistent compromise of enterprise systems.