What is the CVSS score of CVE-2020-36990?

CVE-2020-36990 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-2020-36990?

A high-severity vulnerability (CVE-2020-36990) in Windows service configuration allows attackers to gain elevated system privileges and execute arbitrary code.

Is there a public PoC exploit available for CVE-2020-36990?

Yes, a public proof-of-concept exploit is available for CVE-2020-36990. Prioritise patching immediately. EPSS: 0.0%.

How to fix or mitigate CVE-2020-36990?

Within 24 hours: Identify and inventory all systems running affected Windows service configurations; enable enhanced logging and monitoring for suspicious privilege escalation attempts; restrict service account permissions to minimum required levels. Within 7 days: Implement network segmentation to isolate critical systems; disable unnecessary Windows services where feasible; apply the most recent Windows security updates available. Within 30 days: Monitor vendor communications for patch availability; conduct security assessment of affected systems for signs of compromise; develop incident response plan specific to this vulnerability.

Windows CVE-2020-36990

HIGH

Unquoted Search Path or Element (CWE-428)

2026-01-28 disclosure@vulncheck.com

Windows

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 - 21:54 vuln.today

PoC Detected

Jan 29, 2026 - 16:31 vuln.today

Public exploit code

CVE Published

Jan 28, 2026 - 13:15 nvd

HIGH 7.8

DescriptionCVE.org

Input Director 1.4.3 contains an unquoted service path vulnerability in its Windows service configuration that allows local attackers to execute code with elevated privileges. Attackers can exploit the unquoted path during system startup or reboot to inject and run malicious executables with LocalSystem permissions.

AnalysisAI

its Windows service configuration contains a vulnerability that allows attackers to execute code with elevated privileges (CVSS 7.8).

Technical ContextAI

exists in the its Windows component. Input Director 1.4.3 contains an unquoted service path vulnerability in its Windows service configuration that allows local attackers to execute code with elevated privileges. Attackers can exploit the unquoted path during system startup or reboot to inject and run malicious executables with LocalSystem permissions.