How severe is CVE-2023-28892?

CVE-2023-28892 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-2023-28892 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (39th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2023-28892?

CVE-2023-28892 affects Malwarebytes Adwcleaner. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.

How do I fix CVE-2023-28892?

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-2023-28892 published?

CVE-2023-28892 was published on 2023-03-29 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2023-28892

CVE-2023-28892 is a high-severity vulnerability in Malwarebytes Adwcleaner 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)
EPSS exploit prediction: 0% (39th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-59
Affected product: Malwarebytes Adwcleaner
Published: 2023-03-29
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

Malwarebytes AdwCleaner 8.4.0 runs as Administrator and performs an insecure file delete operation on C:\AdwCleaner\Logs\AdwCleaner_Debug.log in which the target location is user-controllable, allowing a non-admin user to escalate privileges to SYSTEM via a symbolic link.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2023-28892?: Malwarebytes AdwCleaner 8.4.0 runs as Administrator and performs an insecure file delete operation on C:\AdwCleaner\Logs\AdwCleaner_Debug.log in which the target location is user-controllable, allowing a non-admin user to escalate privileges to SYSTEM via a symbolic link.
How severe is CVE-2023-28892?: CVE-2023-28892 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-2023-28892 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (39th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2023-28892?: CVE-2023-28892 affects Malwarebytes Adwcleaner. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
How do I fix CVE-2023-28892?: 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-2023-28892 published?: CVE-2023-28892 was published on 2023-03-29 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (1)

cpe:2.3:a:malwarebytes:adwcleaner:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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