---
id: CVE-2020-37252
title: >-
  Realtek Audio Service 1.0.0.55 contains an unquoted service path vulnerability
  in RtkAudioService64.exe that allows local attackers to escalate privileges by
  injecting malicious code
summary: >-
  Realtek Audio Service 1.0.0.55 contains an unquoted service path vulnerability
  in RtkAudioService64.exe that allows local attackers to escalate privileges by
  injecting malicious code. Attackers can place executable files in the unquoted
  …
severity: high
cvss: 7.8
cvssVector: 'CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H'
cwe:
  - CWE-428
published: '2026-06-19'
updated: '2026-09-29'
sourceUpdated: '2026-09-29T09:10:00.157'
source: NVD
sourceUrl: 'https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2020-37252'
references:
  - url: 'https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/49015'
    label: disclosure@vulncheck.com
  - url: 'https://www.realtek.com/en/'
    label: disclosure@vulncheck.com
  - url: >-
      https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/realtek-audio-service-unquoted-service-path-privilege-escalation
    label: disclosure@vulncheck.com
tags:
  - nvd
epss: 0.00173
epssPercentile: 0.0605
ingestedAt: '2026-09-29T09:30:49.076Z'
---

## Overview

Realtek Audio Service 1.0.0.55 contains an unquoted service path vulnerability in RtkAudioService64.exe that allows local attackers to escalate privileges by injecting malicious code. Attackers can place executable files in the unquoted service path directory to execute arbitrary code with LocalSystem privileges during service startup or system reboot.

## Remediation

Refer to the linked advisories for vendor-supplied fixes and affected version ranges.