CVE-2018-16715
CVE-2018-16715 is a high-severity vulnerability in Absolute Ctes Windows Agent with a CVSS 3.x base score of 8.8. 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-732.
Key facts
- Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 8.8)
- CVSS v2: 6.5
- EPSS exploit prediction: 1% (54th percentile)
- Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
- Weakness: CWE-732
- Affected product: Absolute Ctes Windows Agent
- Published:
- Last modified:
Description
An issue was discovered in Absolute Software CTES Windows Agent through 1.0.0.1479. The security permissions on the %ProgramData%\CTES folder and sub-folders may allow write access to low-privileged user accounts. This allows unauthorized replacement of service program executable (EXE) or dynamically loadable library (DLL) files, causing elevated (SYSTEM) user access. Configuration control files or data files under this folder could also be similarly modified to affect service process behavior.
Frequently asked questions
- What is CVE-2018-16715?
- An issue was discovered in Absolute Software CTES Windows Agent through 1.0.0.1479. The security permissions on the %ProgramData%\CTES folder and sub-folders may allow write access to low-privileged user accounts. This allows unauthorized replacement of service program executable (EXE) or dynamically loadable library (DLL) files, causing elevated (SYSTEM) user access. Configuration control files or data files under this folder could also be similarly modified to affect service process behavior.
- How severe is CVE-2018-16715?
- CVE-2018-16715 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 8.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over network with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.
- Is CVE-2018-16715 being actively exploited?
- It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (54th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- What products are affected by CVE-2018-16715?
- CVE-2018-16715 affects Absolute Ctes Windows Agent. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
- How do I fix CVE-2018-16715?
- 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.
- When was CVE-2018-16715 published?
- CVE-2018-16715 was published on 2018-09-08 and last updated on 2026-06-17.
References
Affected products (1)
- cpe:2.3:a:absolute:ctes_windows_agent:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
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