CVE-2020-36154

Name: CVE-2020-36154
Creator: NVD / NIST
Published: 2021-01-04T17:15:14.163+00:00
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

HIGHCVSS 7.8/10EPSS 0.44%

Last modified Jun 17, 2026

CVE-2020-36154 is a high-severity vulnerability rated 7.8/10 on the CVSS scale. The Application Wrapper in Pearson VUE VTS Installer 2.3.1911 has Full Control permissions for Everyone in the "%SYSTEMDRIVE%\Pearson VUE" directory, which allows local users to obtain administrative privileges via a Trojan horse application.. EPSS estimates a 0.44% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days.

Description

The Application Wrapper in Pearson VUE VTS Installer 2.3.1911 has Full Control permissions for Everyone in the "%SYSTEMDRIVE%\Pearson VUE" directory, which allows local users to obtain administrative privileges via a Trojan horse application.

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

0.44%

35.4th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Weakness Enumeration

CWE-732

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Pearson	Vue Testing System	2.3.1911

References

https://github.com/passtheticket/vulnerability-research/blob/main/privilege-escalation/pearsonvue-readme.mdExploit, Third Party Advisory
https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/49143Exploit, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
https://github.com/passtheticket/vulnerability-research/blob/main/privilege-escalation/pearsonvue-readme.mdExploit, Third Party Advisory
https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/49143Exploit, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry

Timeline

Published: Jan 4, 2021
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Modified

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2020-36154?

How severe is CVE-2020-36154?

CVE-2020-36154 has a CVSS score of 7.8/10 (HIGH severity). The EPSS model estimates a 0.44% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2020-36154?

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-2020-36154?

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

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Source: NVD / NIST