What is the CVSS score of CVE-2020-36980?

CVE-2020-36980 has a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.8 (High). CVSS vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. EPSS exploitation probability: 0.0%.

Which versions of Windows are affected by CVE-2020-36980?

CVE-2020-36980 is a high-severity Windows service vulnerability (CVSS 7.8) that could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems.

Is there a public PoC exploit available for CVE-2020-36980?

Yes, a public proof-of-concept exploit is available for CVE-2020-36980. Prioritise patching immediately. EPSS: 0.0%.

How to fix or mitigate CVE-2020-36980?

Within 24 hours: Inventory all systems running the affected Windows service and assess exposure; isolate critical systems if possible. Within 7 days: Implement network segmentation to restrict service access, disable the vulnerable service if operationally feasible, and apply any available workarounds from the vendor. Within 30 days: Monitor vendor communications for patch availability; develop and test a patching strategy; conduct threat hunting for signs of exploitation.

Windows CVE-2020-36980

HIGH

Unquoted Search Path or Element (CWE-428)

2026-01-27 disclosure@vulncheck.com

Windows Privilege Escalation

7.8

CVSS 3.1 · NVD

Severity by source

NVD PRIMARY

7.8 HIGH

AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

Primary rating from NVD · only source for this CVE.

CVSS VectorNVD

CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

Attack Vector

Local

Attack Complexity

Low

Privileges Required

Low

User Interaction

None

Scope

Unchanged

Confidentiality

High

Integrity

High

Availability

High

Lifecycle Timeline

Analysis Generated

Mar 12, 2026 - 21:55 vuln.today

PoC Detected

Jan 29, 2026 - 16:31 vuln.today

Public exploit code

CVE Published

Jan 27, 2026 - 19:16 nvd

HIGH 7.8

DescriptionCVE.org

SAntivirus IC 10.0.21.61 contains an unquoted service path vulnerability in its Windows service configuration that allows local attackers to potentially execute arbitrary code. Attackers can exploit the unquoted executable path to inject malicious files in the service binary path, enabling privilege escalation to system-level permissions.

AnalysisAI

its Windows service configuration contains a vulnerability that allows attackers to potentially execute arbitrary code (CVSS 7.8).

Technical ContextAI

exists in the its Windows component. SAntivirus IC 10.0.21.61 contains an unquoted service path vulnerability in its Windows service configuration that allows local attackers to potentially execute arbitrary code. Attackers can exploit the unquoted executable path to inject malicious files in the service binary path, enabling privilege escalation to system-level permissions.