CVE-2019-16897

Name: CVE-2019-16897
Creator: NVD / NIST
Published: 2019-10-28T15:15:14.02+00:00
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

CRITICALCVSS 9.8/10EPSS 1.62%

Last modified Jun 17, 2026

CVE-2019-16897 is a critical-severity vulnerability rated 9.8/10 on the CVSS scale. In K7 Antivirus Premium 16.0.xxx through 16.0.0120; K7 Total Security 16.0.xxx through 16.0.0120; and K7 Ultimate Security 16.0.xxx through 16.0.0120, the module K7TSHlpr.dll improperly validates the administrative privileges of the user, allowing arbitrary registry writes in the K7AVOptn.dll module to facilitate escalation of privileges via inter-process communication with a service process.. EPSS estimates a 1.62% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days.

Description

In K7 Antivirus Premium 16.0.xxx through 16.0.0120; K7 Total Security 16.0.xxx through 16.0.0120; and K7 Ultimate Security 16.0.xxx through 16.0.0120, the module K7TSHlpr.dll improperly validates the administrative privileges of the user, allowing arbitrary registry writes in the K7AVOptn.dll module to facilitate escalation of privileges via inter-process communication with a service process.

Metrics

CVSS 3.1

9.8/10

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

EPSS Probability

1.62%

73.0th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Weakness Enumeration

CWE-269

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
K7computing	K7 Antivirus Premium	>= 16.0.000, <= 16.0.0120
K7computing	K7 Total Security	>= 16.0.000, <= 16.0.0120
K7computing	K7 Ultimate Security	>= 16.0.000, <= 16.0.0120

References

https://github.com/NtRaiseHardError/Antimalware-Research/blob/master/K7%20Security/Local%20Privilege%20Escalation/v16.0.0120/README.mdExploit, Third Party Advisory
https://github.com/NtRaiseHardError/Antimalware-Research/blob/master/K7%20Security/Local%20Privilege%20Escalation/v16.0.0120/README.mdExploit, Third Party Advisory

Timeline

Published: Oct 28, 2019
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Modified

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2019-16897?

How severe is CVE-2019-16897?

CVE-2019-16897 has a CVSS score of 9.8/10 (CRITICAL severity). The EPSS model estimates a 1.62% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2019-16897?

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-2019-16897?

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

Scan your code now

Source: NVD / NIST