CVE-2016-20059: IObit Malware Fighter 4.3.1 Unquoted Service Path Privilege Escalation

Published Apr 4, 2026
·
Updated

IObit Malware Fighter 4.3.1 contains an unquoted service path vulnerability in the IMFservice and LiveUpdateSvc services that allows local attackers to escalate privileges. Attackers can insert a malicious executable file in the unquoted service path and trigger privilege escalation when the service restarts or the system reboots, executing code with LocalSystem privileges.

Affected Software

2 affected components
IObit IObit Malware Fighter=4.3.1
IObit Malware Fighter<=4.3.1

Remediation

Recommended actions to resolve this vulnerability, in priority order.

  1. Upgrade

    Upgrade IObit Malware Fighter to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 4.3.1
  2. Compensating control

    Mitigate the unquoted service path privilege escalation by securing the IMFservice and LiveUpdateSvc service binary paths so that the executable path is quoted/fully qualified and not writable by local attackers (prevent path searching/execution).

Event History

Apr 4, 2026
CVE Published
via MITRE·01:51 PM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·01:51 PM
DescriptionSeverityWeakness
Data Sourced
via NVD·02:16 PM
DescriptionSeverityWeaknessAffected Software

Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is the severity of CVE-2016-20059?

The severity of CVE-2016-20059 is rated high with a score of 8.5.

2

How does CVE-2016-20059 affect IObit Malware Fighter 4.3.1?

CVE-2016-20059 allows local attackers to escalate privileges through an unquoted service path vulnerability in the IMFservice and LiveUpdateSvc services.

3

What can an attacker do with CVE-2016-20059?

An attacker can insert a malicious executable file in the unquoted service path to trigger privilege escalation when the service is started.

4

What versions of IObit Malware Fighter are affected by CVE-2016-20059?

CVE-2016-20059 affects IObit Malware Fighter version 4.3.1.

5

How can I mitigate the risk from CVE-2016-20059?

To mitigate the risk from CVE-2016-20059, ensure that service paths are properly quoted and apply security patches provided by IObit.

Contact

SecAlerts Pty Ltd.
132 Wickham Terrace
Fortitude Valley,
QLD 4006, Australia
info@secalerts.co
By using SecAlerts services, you agree to our services end-user license agreement. This website is safeguarded by reCAPTCHA and governed by the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. All names, logos, and brands of products are owned by their respective owners, and any usage of these names, logos, and brands for identification purposes only does not imply endorsement. If you possess any content that requires removal, please get in touch with us.
© 2026 SecAlerts Pty Ltd.
ABN: 70 645 966 203, ACN: 645 966 203