Is CVE-2016-20091 actively exploited?

No active exploitation of CVE-2016-20091 has been confirmed so far. Continue monitoring, as exploit status can change.

Can CVE-2016-20091 be exploited remotely?

No. CVE-2016-20091 requires local access to exploit.

What is the CVSS score of CVE-2016-20091?

CVE-2016-20091 has a CVSS score of 7.8 (HIGH).

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HIGH

CVE-2016-20091

CWE-428Published: June 19, 2026· Updated: Jun 22, 2026

7.8

CVSS v3.1

Official Description

Windows Firewall Control 4.8.6.0 contains an unquoted service path vulnerability that allows local attackers to escalate privileges by inserting malicious executables in the service path. Attackers can place executable files in unquoted path directories that the wfcs.exe service will execute with LocalSystem privileges upon service restart or system reboot.

NVD Source

Technical Analysis

CVE-2016-20091 requires local access, meaning attackers must already have a foothold on the target system.

Exploitation requires low privileges, which limits the exposure to scenarios where an attacker has already gained initial access.

A successful exploit results in complete confidentiality breach (data exposure), full integrity compromise (data manipulation), availability disruption (denial of service), with a CVSS base score of 7.8.