What is CVE-2020-36987?

CVE-2020-36987 is a high-severity vulnerability in Gearboxcomputers Program Access Controller, classified under Unquoted Search Path or Element. CVSS score: 7.8/10. Published 2026-01-28.

How severe is CVE-2020-36987?

High severity. CVSS v3 base score is 7.8 out of 10.

Vulnerability in Gearboxcomputers Program Access Controller

CVE-2020-36987

Program Access Controller 1.2.0.0 contains an unquoted service path vulnerability in PACService.exe that allows local attackers to execute code with elevated privileges. Attackers can exploit the unquoted path during system startup or reboot to inject and run malicious executables with LocalSystem permissions.

EPSS: 0.002 (5.3th percentile) — read the EPSS interpretation.

CVSS v3 metric

CVSS v3 base score 7.8 (High). Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H.

Affected products

Gearboxcomputers Program Access Controller — versions 1.2.0.0

Weakness classification (CWE)

CWE-428 — Unquoted Search Path or Element

References

ExploitDB-48966 (exploit)
Vendor Homepage (product)
VulnCheck Advisory: Program Access Controller v1.2.0.0 - 'PACService.exe' Unquoted Service Path (third-party-advisory)

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2020-36987?: CVE-2020-36987 is a high-severity vulnerability in Gearboxcomputers Program Access Controller, classified under Unquoted Search Path or Element. CVSS score: 7.8/10. Published 2026-01-28.
How severe is CVE-2020-36987?: High severity. CVSS v3 base score is 7.8 out of 10.