CVE-2018-17776
PCProtect Anti-Virus v4.8.35 has "Everyone: (F)" permission for %PROGRAMFILES(X86)%\PCProtect, which allows local users to gain privileges by replacing an executable file with a Trojan horse.
Does this matter?
A public exploit is published in Exploit-DB (verified) and the impact is high, while EPSS rates exploitation at 3.4%. Anyone can run this; patch or mitigate before the next change window and check exposed instances for signs of use.
Description
PCProtect Anti-Virus v4.8.35 has "Everyone: (F)" permission for %PROGRAMFILES(X86)%\PCProtect, which allows local users to gain privileges by replacing an executable file with a Trojan horse.
- CVSS 3.0
- 7.8 HIGHCVSS:3.0/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
- EPSS
- 3.39% probability · 89th percentile
- Public exploits
- 1 in Exploit-DB · verified · first 28 September 2018
- CISA KEV
- Not listed
- Weakness
- CWE-732
- Affected
- pcprotect/antivirus
- Source
- cve@mitre.org
EPSS moved from 4.4% on 21 September 2026 to 3.4% on 27 October 2026.
Public exploits (1)
Entries in Exploit-DB that cite this CVE. Links go to the Exploit-DB page and to the file in the public repository; nothing is hosted here. A verified tick means the Exploit-DB team confirmed the exploit works against the stated version.
References
- https://packetstormsecurity.com/files/149581/PCProtect-4-8.35-Privilege-Escalation.htmlExploit, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
- https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/45503/Exploit, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
- https://packetstormsecurity.com/files/149581/PCProtect-4-8.35-Privilege-Escalation.htmlExploit, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
- https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/45503/Exploit, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
Source: NVD record, EPSS from FIRST.org, KEV from CISA, exploits from Exploit-DB. Refreshed daily. Download this record as JSON.