Full Report
Microsoft has started rolling out a permanent fix for a known issue that causes system crashes and gaming issues on Windows 11 devices. [...]
Analysis Summary
# Vulnerability: Windows 11 System Instability via inpoutx64.sys Driver
## CVE Details
- **CVE ID:** N/A (Currently tracked as a Windows Release Health "Known Issue")
- **CVSS Score:** N/A
- **CWE:** CWE-119 (Improper Restriction of Operations within the Bounds of a Memory Buffer - inferred from "EXCEPTION_ACCESS_VIOLATION")
## Affected Systems
- **Products:** Windows 11
- **Versions:** 24H2 and 25H2
- **Configurations:** Systems utilizing peripherals or internal components with RGB lighting features that install the `inpoutx64.sys` driver. Specifically triggered by games such as ARC Raiders, MARVEL Tōkon: Fighting Souls, and The Finals.
## Vulnerability Description
The issue stems from a compatibility flaw in the `inpoutx64.sys` driver, often bundled with RGB lighting software. When certain games are launched, the driver triggers an `EXCEPTION_ACCESS_VIOLATION`. This memory access error leads to application unresponsiveness, games failing to launch, or full system crashes (BSOD). While initially suspected to be a bug in the August 2026 Windows updates, the root cause was identified as the third-party driver component.
## Exploitation
- **Status:** Not exploited (Functionality/Stability issue)
- **Complexity:** Low (Triggered by standard user activity)
- **Attack Vector:** Local (System interaction)
## Impact
- **Confidentiality:** None
- **Integrity:** None
- **Availability:** High (Causes system crashes and prevents software execution)
## Remediation
### Patches
- **Automatic Block:** Microsoft has begun rolling out a server-side block that prevents the `inpoutx64.sys` driver from loading on affected consumer and non-managed business devices.
- **September 2026 Security Update:** The driver block will be integrated into the upcoming monthly cumulative updates and all future Windows releases.
### Workarounds
For enterprise-managed systems where automatic fixes are not applied, administrators can manually disable the driver via the Registry:
1. Open **regedit.exe**.
2. Navigate to: `HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\inpoutx64`
3. Locate the **Start** value and change it to **4** (Disabled).
4. Restart the system.
## Detection
- **Indicators of Compromise:** N/A (Non-malicious stability flaw).
- **Detection Methods:**
- Look for error logs containing `EXCEPTION_ACCESS_VIOLATION` in Event Viewer.
- Search for the presence of `inpoutx64.sys` in `%SystemRoot%\System32\drivers`.
- Monitor for a Microsoft-issued notification window stating the driver has been disabled for compatibility.
## References
- **Vendor Advisories:** [Windows Release Health Status - Windows 11 24H2] hxxps://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/release-health/status-windows-11-24h2
- **Related News:** [BleepingComputer - Microsoft rolls out fix for Windows 11 crashes] hxxps://www.bleepingcomputer[.]com/news/microsoft/microsoft-rolls-out-fix-for-windows-11-crashes-gaming-issues/