How severe is CVE-2019-16896?

CVE-2019-16896 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-2019-16896 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (32nd percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2019-16896?

CVE-2019-16896 affects K7computing K7 Ultimate Security. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.

How do I fix CVE-2019-16896?

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-2019-16896 published?

CVE-2019-16896 was published on 2019-12-27 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2019-16896

CVE-2019-16896 is a high-severity vulnerability in K7computing K7 Ultimate Security 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-59.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 7.8)
CVSS v2: 2.1
EPSS exploit prediction: 0% (32nd percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-59
Affected product: K7computing K7 Ultimate Security
Published: 2019-12-27
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

In K7 Ultimate Security 16.0.0117, the module K7BKCExt.dll (aka the backup module) improperly validates the administrative privileges of the user, allowing an arbitrary file write via a symbolic link attack with file restoration functionality.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2019-16896?: In K7 Ultimate Security 16.0.0117, the module K7BKCExt.dll (aka the backup module) improperly validates the administrative privileges of the user, allowing an arbitrary file write via a symbolic link attack with file restoration functionality.
How severe is CVE-2019-16896?: CVE-2019-16896 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-2019-16896 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (32nd percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2019-16896?: CVE-2019-16896 affects K7computing K7 Ultimate Security. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
How do I fix CVE-2019-16896?: 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-2019-16896 published?: CVE-2019-16896 was published on 2019-12-27 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (1)

cpe:2.3:a:k7computing:k7_ultimate_security:16.0.0117:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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