CVE-2020-15264

Name: CVE-2020-15264
Creator: NVD / NIST
Published: 2020-10-20T21:15:12.633+00:00
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

HIGHCVSS 7.8/10EPSS 1.49%

Last modified Jun 17, 2026

CVE-2020-15264 is a high-severity vulnerability rated 7.8/10 on the CVSS scale. The Boxstarter installer before version 2.13.0 configures C:\ProgramData\Boxstarter to be in the system-wide PATH environment variable. However, this directory is writable by normal, unprivileged users. EPSS estimates a 1.49% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days.

Description

The Boxstarter installer before version 2.13.0 configures C:\ProgramData\Boxstarter to be in the system-wide PATH environment variable. However, this directory is writable by normal, unprivileged users. To exploit the vulnerability, place a DLL in this directory that a privileged service is looking for. For example, WptsExtensions.dll When Windows starts, it'll execute the code in DllMain() with SYSTEM privileges. Any unprivileged user can execute code with SYSTEM privileges. The issue is fixed in version 3.13.0

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

1.49%

70.8th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Weakness Enumeration

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Chocolatey	Boxstarter	< 2.13.0

References

https://github.com/chocolatey/boxstarter/commit/67e320491813550b48900e87105a34ceefdcf633Patch, Third Party Advisory
https://github.com/chocolatey/boxstarter/security/advisories/GHSA-rpgx-h675-r3jfThird Party Advisory
https://www.kb.cert.org/vuls/id/208577Third Party Advisory
https://github.com/chocolatey/boxstarter/commit/67e320491813550b48900e87105a34ceefdcf633Patch, Third Party Advisory
https://github.com/chocolatey/boxstarter/security/advisories/GHSA-rpgx-h675-r3jfThird Party Advisory
https://www.kb.cert.org/vuls/id/208577Third Party Advisory

Timeline

Published: Oct 20, 2020
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Modified

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2020-15264?

How severe is CVE-2020-15264?

CVE-2020-15264 has a CVSS score of 7.8/10 (HIGH severity). The EPSS model estimates a 1.49% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2020-15264?

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-2020-15264?

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

Scan your code now

Source: NVD / NIST