CVE-2016-20060
CVE-2016-20060 is a high-severity vulnerability with a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8. 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-428.
Key facts
- Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 7.8)
- CVSS v4: 8.5
- EPSS exploit prediction: 0% (5th percentile)
- Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
- EU (EUVD) id: EUVD-2016-10869
- Weakness: CWE-428
- Published:
- Last modified:
Description
Hotspot Shield 6.0.3 contains an unquoted service path vulnerability in the hshld service binary that allows local attackers to escalate privileges by injecting malicious executables. Attackers can place executable files in the service path and upon service restart or system reboot, the malicious code executes with LocalSystem privileges.
Frequently asked questions
- What is CVE-2016-20060?
- Hotspot Shield 6.0.3 contains an unquoted service path vulnerability in the hshld service binary that allows local attackers to escalate privileges by injecting malicious executables. Attackers can place executable files in the service path and upon service restart or system reboot, the malicious code executes with LocalSystem privileges.
- How severe is CVE-2016-20060?
- CVE-2016-20060 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.
- Is CVE-2016-20060 being actively exploited?
- It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (5th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- How do I fix CVE-2016-20060?
- Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.
- Does CVE-2016-20060 have an EU (EUVD) identifier?
- Yes. CVE-2016-20060 is tracked in the ENISA EU Vulnerability Database (EUVD) as EUVD-2016-10869.
- When was CVE-2016-20060 published?
- CVE-2016-20060 was published on 2026-04-04 and last updated on 2026-06-17.
References
- https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/40528
- https://www.hotspotshield.com
- https://www.hotspotshield.com/download/
- https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/hotspot-shield-unquoted-service-path-privilege-escalation
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