CVE-2020-15264

Privilege Escalation in Boxstarter

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

Category

8.0
CVSS
Severity: High
CVSS 3.1 •
CVSS 2.0 •
EPSS 0.27%
Third-Party Advisory cert.org Third-Party Advisory github.com Third-Party Advisory github.com
Affected: chocolatey boxstarter
Published at:
Updated at:

References

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the severity of CVE-2020-15264?
CVE-2020-15264 has been scored as a high severity vulnerability.
How to fix CVE-2020-15264?
To fix CVE-2020-15264, make sure you are using an up-to-date version of the affected component(s) by checking the vendor release notes. As for now, there are no other specific guidelines available.
Is CVE-2020-15264 being actively exploited in the wild?
As for now, there are no information to confirm that CVE-2020-15264 is being actively exploited. According to its EPSS score, there is a ~0% probability that this vulnerability will be exploited by malicious actors in the next 30 days.
What software or system is affected by CVE-2020-15264?
CVE-2020-15264 affects chocolatey boxstarter.
This platform uses data from the NIST NVD, MITRE CVE, MITRE CWE, First.org and CISA KEV but is not endorsed or certified by these entities. CVE is a registred trademark of the MITRE Corporation and the authoritative source of CVE content is MITRE's CVE web site. CWE is a registred trademark of the MITRE Corporation and the authoritative source of CWE content is MITRE's CWE web site.
© 2025 Under My Watch. All Rights Reserved.