How severe is CVE-2020-36154?

CVE-2020-36154 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-2020-36154 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (36th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2020-36154?

CVE-2020-36154 affects Pearson Vue Testing System. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.

How do I fix CVE-2020-36154?

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-2020-36154 published?

CVE-2020-36154 was published on 2021-01-04 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2020-36154

CVE-2020-36154 is a high-severity vulnerability in Pearson Vue Testing System 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-732.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 7.8)
CVSS v2: 7.2
EPSS exploit prediction: 0% (36th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-732
Affected product: Pearson Vue Testing System
Published: 2021-01-04
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

The Application Wrapper in Pearson VUE VTS Installer 2.3.1911 has Full Control permissions for Everyone in the "%SYSTEMDRIVE%\Pearson VUE" directory, which allows local users to obtain administrative privileges via a Trojan horse application.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2020-36154?: The Application Wrapper in Pearson VUE VTS Installer 2.3.1911 has Full Control permissions for Everyone in the "%SYSTEMDRIVE%\Pearson VUE" directory, which allows local users to obtain administrative privileges via a Trojan horse application.
How severe is CVE-2020-36154?: CVE-2020-36154 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-2020-36154 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (36th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2020-36154?: CVE-2020-36154 affects Pearson Vue Testing System. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
How do I fix CVE-2020-36154?: 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-2020-36154 published?: CVE-2020-36154 was published on 2021-01-04 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (1)

cpe:2.3:a:pearson:vue_testing_system:2.3.1911:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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