How severe is CVE-2016-20085?

CVE-2016-20085 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-2016-20085 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (2nd percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2016-20085?

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-2016-20085 have an EU (EUVD) identifier?

Yes. CVE-2016-20085 is tracked in the ENISA EU Vulnerability Database (EUVD) as EUVD-2016-10898.

When was CVE-2016-20085 published?

CVE-2016-20085 was published on 2026-06-19 and last updated on 2026-06-22.

CVE-2016-20085

CVE-2016-20085 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% (2nd percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
EU (EUVD) id: EUVD-2016-10898
Weakness: CWE-428
Published: 2026-06-19
Last modified: 2026-06-22

Description

Realtek High Definition Audio Driver 6.0.1.6730 contains an unquoted service path vulnerability that allows local attackers to escalate privileges by placing a malicious executable in the service path. Attackers can insert an executable file in the unquoted path and restart the service to execute code with LocalSystem privileges.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2016-20085?: Realtek High Definition Audio Driver 6.0.1.6730 contains an unquoted service path vulnerability that allows local attackers to escalate privileges by placing a malicious executable in the service path. Attackers can insert an executable file in the unquoted path and restart the service to execute code with LocalSystem privileges.
How severe is CVE-2016-20085?: CVE-2016-20085 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-2016-20085 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (2nd percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
How do I fix CVE-2016-20085?: 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-2016-20085 have an EU (EUVD) identifier?: Yes. CVE-2016-20085 is tracked in the ENISA EU Vulnerability Database (EUVD) as EUVD-2016-10898.
When was CVE-2016-20085 published?: CVE-2016-20085 was published on 2026-06-19 and last updated on 2026-06-22.

References

Other CWE-428 vulnerabilities

CVE-2022-50935 — Critical (CVSS 9.8): Flame II HSPA USB Modem contains an unquoted service path vulnerability in its Windows service configuration. Attackers…
CVE-2023-38408 — Critical (CVSS 9.8): The PKCS#11 feature in ssh-agent in OpenSSH before 9.3p2 has an insufficiently trustworthy search path, leading to…
CVE-2022-36344 — Critical (CVSS 9.8): An unquoted search path vulnerability exists in 'JustSystems JUST Online Update for J-License' bundled with multiple…
CVE-2020-9292 — Critical (CVSS 9.8): An unquoted service path vulnerability in the FortiSIEM Windows Agent component may allow an attacker to gain elevated…
CVE-2019-17658 — Critical (CVSS 9.8): An unquoted service path vulnerability in the FortiClient FortiTray component of FortiClientWindows v6.2.2 and prior…
CVE-2019-8459 — Critical (CVSS 9.8): Check Point Endpoint Security Client for Windows, with the VPN blade, before version E80.83, starts a process without…

Browse all CWE-428 vulnerabilities →