CVE-2019-16913
CVE-2019-16913 is a high-severity vulnerability in Pcprotect Antivirus 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-276.
Key facts
- Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 7.8)
- CVSS v2: 7.2
- EPSS exploit prediction: 0% (34th percentile)
- Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
- Weakness: CWE-276
- Affected product: Pcprotect Antivirus
- Published:
- Last modified:
Description
PC Protect Antivirus v4.14.31 installs by default to %PROGRAMFILES(X86)%\PCProtect with very weak folder permissions, granting any user full permission "Everyone: (F)" to the contents of the directory and its subfolders. In addition, the program installs a service called SecurityService that runs as LocalSystem. This allows any user to escalate privileges to "NT AUTHORITY\SYSTEM" by substituting the service's binary with a Trojan horse.
Frequently asked questions
- What is CVE-2019-16913?
- PC Protect Antivirus v4.14.31 installs by default to %PROGRAMFILES(X86)%\PCProtect with very weak folder permissions, granting any user full permission "Everyone: (F)" to the contents of the directory and its subfolders. In addition, the program installs a service called SecurityService that runs as LocalSystem. This allows any user to escalate privileges to "NT AUTHORITY\SYSTEM" by substituting the service's binary with a Trojan horse.
- How severe is CVE-2019-16913?
- CVE-2019-16913 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-2019-16913 being actively exploited?
- It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (34th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- What products are affected by CVE-2019-16913?
- CVE-2019-16913 affects Pcprotect Antivirus. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
- How do I fix CVE-2019-16913?
- 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-2019-16913 published?
- CVE-2019-16913 was published on 2019-10-07 and last updated on 2026-06-17.
References
Affected products (1)
- cpe:2.3:a:pcprotect:antivirus:4.14.31:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
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