CVE-2020-37160 in SprintWork
Summary
by MITRE • 02/07/2026
SprintWork 2.3.1 contains multiple local privilege escalation vulnerabilities through insecure file, service, and folder permissions on Windows systems. Local unprivileged users can exploit missing executable files and weak service configurations to create a new administrative user and gain complete system access.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/07/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-37160 affects SprintWork version 2.3.1 on Windows operating systems and represents a critical local privilege escalation flaw that stems from poor permission configurations and insecure file handling practices. This vulnerability allows unprivileged local users to escalate their privileges and gain complete administrative control over the affected system. The issue manifests through multiple attack vectors including insecure file permissions, weak service configurations, and improper folder access controls that collectively create opportunities for unauthorized privilege elevation.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability involves several interconnected weaknesses that align with common privilege escalation patterns documented in the CWE database. Specifically, the vulnerability exhibits characteristics of CWE-276, which deals with insecure file permissions, and CWE-732, which addresses incorrect permissions for critical resources. The root cause lies in the application's failure to properly implement least privilege principles during installation and runtime operations, allowing local users to manipulate system components that should remain restricted to administrative access. Attackers can exploit missing executable files and weak service configurations to create new administrative user accounts, effectively bypassing the standard authentication mechanisms that protect system integrity.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a severe risk to organizations relying on SprintWork 2.3.1 as it enables any local user to gain complete system control without requiring external network access or complex attack vectors. The implications extend beyond simple privilege escalation as the successful exploitation creates persistent backdoor access points that can be leveraged for data exfiltration, lateral movement, and further compromise of network resources. This type of vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1068, which describes local privilege escalation through the exploitation of system vulnerabilities, and T1133, which covers external remote services that can be used for privilege escalation.
The impact of CVE-2020-37160 extends beyond immediate system compromise as it provides attackers with a stable foothold for extended operations within the network environment. Once escalated to administrative privileges, attackers can modify system configurations, install malicious software, access sensitive data, and potentially establish persistence mechanisms that survive system reboots. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal technical expertise and no special tools, making it particularly dangerous as it can be leveraged by attackers with basic knowledge of Windows system internals. Organizations should consider this vulnerability as a critical security concern that requires immediate remediation through patching or temporary mitigation strategies.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-37160 should focus on immediate patching of the SprintWork application to version 2.3.2 or later, which addresses the underlying permission and configuration issues. System administrators should also implement proper access control measures including regular permission audits, implementation of principle of least privilege, and monitoring for unauthorized user account creation. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications and systems that may exhibit similar permission-related flaws. The vulnerability underscores the importance of proper software security practices during development and deployment phases, particularly regarding privilege management and access control implementation.