CVE-2020-36974
CVE-2020-36974 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% (6th percentile)
- Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
- EU (EUVD) id: EUVD-2020-30875
- Weakness: CWE-428
- Published:
- Last modified:
Description
Realtek Andrea RT Filters 1.0.64.7 contains an unquoted service path vulnerability that allows local users to potentially execute arbitrary code with elevated system privileges. Attackers can exploit the unquoted path in 'C:\Program Files\IDT\WDM\AESTSr64.exe' to inject malicious code that would execute during service startup or system reboot.
Frequently asked questions
- What is CVE-2020-36974?
- Realtek Andrea RT Filters 1.0.64.7 contains an unquoted service path vulnerability that allows local users to potentially execute arbitrary code with elevated system privileges. Attackers can exploit the unquoted path in 'C:\Program Files\IDT\WDM\AESTSr64.exe' to inject malicious code that would execute during service startup or system reboot.
- How severe is CVE-2020-36974?
- CVE-2020-36974 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-2020-36974 being actively exploited?
- It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (6th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- How do I fix CVE-2020-36974?
- 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-2020-36974 have an EU (EUVD) identifier?
- Yes. CVE-2020-36974 is tracked in the ENISA EU Vulnerability Database (EUVD) as EUVD-2020-30875.
- When was CVE-2020-36974 published?
- CVE-2020-36974 was published on 2026-01-27 and last updated on 2026-06-17.
References
- https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/49158
- https://www.realtek.com/en/
- https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/realtek-andrea-rt-filters-aertsrexe-unquoted-service-path
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…