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CVE-2016-20085 Realtek CVE debrief

CVE-2016-20085 is a high-severity vulnerability in Realtek High Definition Audio Driver 6.0.1.6730. It allows local attackers to escalate privileges by placing a malicious executable in the service path due to an unquoted service path vulnerability. The CVSS score is 8.5, indicating a high priority for defenders to address this issue. Affected systems are at risk of privilege escalation attacks, which could lead to unauthorized access and control.

Vendor
Realtek
Product
Realtek High Definition Audio Driver
CVSS
HIGH 8.5
CISA KEV
Not listed in stored evidence
Original CVE published
2026-06-19
Original CVE updated
2026-06-22
Advisory published
2026-06-19
Advisory updated
2026-06-22

Who should care

Defenders responsible for systems using Realtek High Definition Audio Driver 6.0.1.6730 should prioritize patching this vulnerability. This includes IT administrators, cybersecurity professionals, and anyone responsible for maintaining systems with this driver installed. The high CVSS score and potential for privilege escalation make it critical for these stakeholders to assess their exposure and take appropriate action.

Technical summary

The Realtek High Definition Audio Driver 6.0.1.6730 contains an unquoted service path vulnerability, tracked as CVE-2016-20085. This vulnerability allows local attackers to escalate privileges by inserting a malicious executable into the unquoted service path and restarting the service. Successful exploitation enables the attacker to execute code with LocalSystem privileges. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-428 (Unquoted Service Path).

Defensive priority

High priority due to CVSS score of 8.5 and potential for privilege escalation.

Recommended defensive actions

  • Inventory systems using Realtek High Definition Audio Driver 6.0.1.6730 to assess exposure.
  • Review official advisories and vendor documentation for patching guidance.
  • Apply available patches or updates for the Realtek High Definition Audio Driver.
  • Implement compensating controls to monitor and restrict service path modifications.
  • Track exceptions for systems unable to be patched immediately.

Evidence notes

The primary evidence for this vulnerability comes from the CVE record and NVD detail pages. The CVE-2016-20085 record confirms the vulnerability exists in Realtek High Definition Audio Driver 6.0.1.6730. Evidence limits are based on available information from the CVE and NVD sources. Defenders should verify the affected product/version/scope and check for official patches or updates.

Official resources

This article is AI-assisted and based on the supplied source corpus.