CVE-2019-16896

Name: CVE-2019-16896
Creator: NVD / NIST
Published: 2019-12-27T16:15:11.32+00:00
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

HIGHCVSS 7.8/10EPSS 0.40%

Last modified Jun 17, 2026

CVE-2019-16896 is a high-severity vulnerability rated 7.8/10 on the CVSS scale. In K7 Ultimate Security 16.0.0117, the module K7BKCExt.dll (aka the backup module) improperly validates the administrative privileges of the user, allowing an arbitrary file write via a symbolic link attack with file restoration functionality.. EPSS estimates a 0.40% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days.

Description

In K7 Ultimate Security 16.0.0117, the module K7BKCExt.dll (aka the backup module) improperly validates the administrative privileges of the user, allowing an arbitrary file write via a symbolic link attack with file restoration functionality.

Metrics

CVSS 3.1

7.8/10

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

EPSS Probability

0.40%

32.0th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Weakness Enumeration

CWE-59

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
K7computing	K7 Ultimate Security	16.0.0117

References

https://github.com/NtRaiseHardError/Antimalware-Research/blob/master/K7%20Security/Local%20Privilege%20Escalation/v16.0.0117/README.mdExploit, Third Party Advisory
https://support.k7computing.com/index.php?/selfhelp/categories/Vulnerability%20Report%20and%20Advisory/29Vendor Advisory
https://github.com/NtRaiseHardError/Antimalware-Research/blob/master/K7%20Security/Local%20Privilege%20Escalation/v16.0.0117/README.mdExploit, Third Party Advisory
https://support.k7computing.com/index.php?/selfhelp/categories/Vulnerability%20Report%20and%20Advisory/29Vendor Advisory

Timeline

Published: Dec 27, 2019
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Modified

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2019-16896?

How severe is CVE-2019-16896?

CVE-2019-16896 has a CVSS score of 7.8/10 (HIGH severity). The EPSS model estimates a 0.40% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2019-16896?

Check the vendor references and advisories linked above for patched versions and mitigation guidance. You can also run a Strix scan to test if your systems are affected.

Are you affected by CVE-2019-16896?

Run a free Strix scan to check your systems for this vulnerability.

Scan your code now

Source: NVD / NIST