CVE-2020-36985
CVE-2020-36985 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% (5th percentile)
- Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
- EU (EUVD) id: EUVD-2020-30893
- Weakness: CWE-428
- Published:
- Last modified:
Description
IP Watcher 3.0.0.30 contains an unquoted service path vulnerability in its Windows service configuration that allows local attackers to execute arbitrary code. Attackers can exploit the unquoted binary path to inject malicious executables that will be launched with elevated LocalSystem privileges during service startup.
Frequently asked questions
- What is CVE-2020-36985?
- IP Watcher 3.0.0.30 contains an unquoted service path vulnerability in its Windows service configuration that allows local attackers to execute arbitrary code. Attackers can exploit the unquoted binary path to inject malicious executables that will be launched with elevated LocalSystem privileges during service startup.
- How severe is CVE-2020-36985?
- CVE-2020-36985 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-2020-36985 being actively exploited?
- It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (5th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- How do I fix CVE-2020-36985?
- 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-2020-36985 have an EU (EUVD) identifier?
- Yes. CVE-2020-36985 is tracked in the ENISA EU Vulnerability Database (EUVD) as EUVD-2020-30893.
- When was CVE-2020-36985 published?
- CVE-2020-36985 was published on 2026-01-28 and last updated on 2026-06-17.
References
- https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/48968
- https://www.gearboxcomputers.com/
- https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/ip-watcher-pacserviceexe-unquoted-service-path
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