CVE-2016-20024
CVE-2016-20024 is a critical-severity vulnerability with a CVSS 3.x base score of 9.8. 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-538.
Key facts
- Severity: Critical (CVSS 3.x base score 9.8)
- CVSS v4: 9.3
- EPSS exploit prediction: 1% (50th percentile)
- Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
- EU (EUVD) id: EUVD-2016-10803
- Weakness: CWE-538
- Published:
- Last modified:
Description
ZKTeco ZKTime.Net 3.0.1.6 contains an insecure file permissions vulnerability that allows unprivileged users to escalate privileges by modifying executable files. Attackers can exploit world-writable permissions on the ZKTimeNet3.0 directory and its contents to replace executable files with malicious binaries for privilege escalation.
Frequently asked questions
- What is CVE-2016-20024?
- ZKTeco ZKTime.Net 3.0.1.6 contains an insecure file permissions vulnerability that allows unprivileged users to escalate privileges by modifying executable files. Attackers can exploit world-writable permissions on the ZKTimeNet3.0 directory and its contents to replace executable files with malicious binaries for privilege escalation.
- How severe is CVE-2016-20024?
- CVE-2016-20024 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 9.8, rated critical severity. It is exploitable over network with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.
- Is CVE-2016-20024 being actively exploited?
- It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (50th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- How do I fix CVE-2016-20024?
- Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its critical severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.
- Does CVE-2016-20024 have an EU (EUVD) identifier?
- Yes. CVE-2016-20024 is tracked in the ENISA EU Vulnerability Database (EUVD) as EUVD-2016-10803.
- When was CVE-2016-20024 published?
- CVE-2016-20024 was published on 2026-03-16 and last updated on 2026-06-17.
References
- https://cxsecurity.com/issue/WLB-2016080264
- https://exchange.xforce.ibmcloud.com/vulnerabilities/116487
- https://packetstormsecurity.com/files/138565
- https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/40322/
- https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/zkteco-zktime-net-insecure-file-permissions-privilege-escalation
- https://www.zeroscience.mk/en/vulnerabilities/ZSL-2016-5360.php
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