CVE-2016-20057 in Registry Cleaner
Summary
by MITRE • 04/04/2026
NETGATE Registry Cleaner build 16.0.205 contains an unquoted service path vulnerability in the NGRegClnSrv service that allows local attackers to escalate privileges by exploiting the service binary path. Attackers can place a malicious executable in the unquoted path and trigger service restart or system reboot to execute code with LocalSystem privileges.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/21/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-20057 represents a critical privilege escalation flaw within NETGATE Registry Cleaner version 16.0.205. This issue manifests through an unquoted service path configuration in the NGRegClnSrv service component, creating a fundamental security weakness that can be exploited by local attackers to gain elevated system privileges. The vulnerability stems from improper service path configuration where the executable path contains spaces but lacks proper quotation marks, allowing for path traversal attacks. This flaw directly aligns with CWE-428, which addresses the improper handling of unquoted service paths in Windows services, making it a well-documented category of security vulnerabilities. The service binary path in question creates a predictable attack surface where malicious actors can inject their own executables into the system execution flow.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker places a malicious executable file in a directory that falls within the unquoted service path hierarchy. Since Windows resolves service paths from left to right without requiring quotation marks for paths containing spaces, the system will first check for executables in parent directories before reaching the intended target. This behavior creates a window of opportunity where an attacker can position their malicious binary in a location that will be executed before the legitimate service binary. The attack vector specifically targets the service restart or system reboot scenario, which triggers the service execution process and allows the attacker's code to run with LocalSystem privileges. This privilege escalation mechanism directly violates the principle of least privilege and undermines the Windows security model's integrity.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant risk to system security as it allows local attackers to execute arbitrary code with the highest system privileges available. The LocalSystem account possesses extensive system access rights including registry modification, file system access, and the ability to install software, making this escalation particularly dangerous. The vulnerability affects all systems running the specific version of NETGATE Registry Cleaner where the service is installed, potentially creating persistent backdoors or enabling further exploitation attempts. The attack requires minimal sophistication and can be automated, making it attractive to threat actors seeking to establish persistent access to compromised systems. This type of vulnerability is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where multiple users may have local access to systems, as it provides a reliable method for privilege escalation that can be leveraged for data exfiltration, lateral movement, or system compromise.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-20057 should prioritize immediate remediation through software updates from the vendor, as the issue is specific to a particular version of the registry cleaner application. Organizations should conduct comprehensive inventory checks to identify all systems running affected versions and apply patches or uninstall the software entirely if not required. The service path configuration should be corrected by ensuring all paths containing spaces are properly quoted, preventing the exploitation mechanism. Additionally, system administrators should implement service hardening measures including regular security audits, monitoring for unauthorized service modifications, and enforcement of least privilege principles for service accounts. Network segmentation and access controls can further reduce the attack surface by limiting local user access to systems where such vulnerable services may be present. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper service configuration practices and highlights the need for continuous security assessment of installed software components to prevent similar issues from arising in the future. The remediation process should also include monitoring for potential exploitation attempts and implementing appropriate intrusion detection measures to identify unauthorized modifications to service configurations.