Advanced SystemCare Service Vulnerability: Local Privilege Escalation
The National Vulnerability Database (NVD) reports a critical unquoted service path vulnerability, CVE-2020-37232, in Advanced SystemCare Service 13.0.0.157. This flaw, rated with a CVSS score of 7.8 (HIGH), allows local attackers to escalate privileges to LocalSystem.
Attackers can exploit this by placing a malicious executable in the system root path. Due to the unquoted service path, the operating system will incorrectly interpret and execute the malicious file with LocalSystem privileges during service startup or system reboot, rather than the legitimate service binary.
This is a classic privilege escalation vector. While it requires local access, it provides a straightforward path for an attacker who has already gained a foothold on a system to achieve full administrative control. Defenders need to ensure that all services are configured with proper quoting for their binary paths.
What This Means For You
- If your organization uses Advanced SystemCare Service, specifically version 13.0.0.157, you must verify service path quoting. Prioritize identifying and patching this vulnerability to prevent local privilege escalation. Attackers actively leverage these low-friction vectors to move laterally and gain control.
Related ATT&CK Techniques
🛡️ Detection Rules
3 rules · 6 SIEM formats3 detection rules auto-generated for this incident, mapped to MITRE ATT&CK. Sigma YAML is free — export to any SIEM format via the Intel Bot.
CVE-2020-37232 - Unquoted Service Path Privilege Escalation
title: CVE-2020-37232 - Unquoted Service Path Privilege Escalation
id: scw-2026-05-16-ai-1
status: experimental
level: critical
description: |
Detects the startup of the Advanced SystemCare service (ASCService.exe) with a potentially unquoted path, which is a vulnerability (CVE-2020-37232) allowing local privilege escalation. Attackers can exploit this by placing malicious executables in the system root path that will be executed with LocalSystem privileges during service startup or system reboot.
author: SCW Feed Engine (AI-generated)
date: 2026-05-16
references:
- https://shimiscyberworld.com/posts/nvd-CVE-2020-37232/
tags:
- attack.privilege_escalation
- attack.t1574.002
logsource:
category: process_creation
detection:
selection:
Image|endswith:
- 'ASCService.exe'
CommandLine|contains:
- 'C:\Program Files (x86)\IObit\Advanced SystemCare\ASCService.exe'
condition: selection
falsepositives:
- Legitimate administrative activity
Source: Shimi's Cyber World · License & reuse
Indicators of Compromise
| ID | Type | Indicator |
|---|---|---|
| CVE-2020-37232 | Privilege Escalation | Advanced System Care Service 13.0.0.157 |
| CVE-2020-37232 | Privilege Escalation | Unquoted Service Path in AdvancedSystemCareService13 |
Written by SCW Vulnerability Desk
Source & Attribution
| Source Platform | NVD |
| Channel | National Vulnerability Database |
| Published | May 16, 2026 at 19:16 UTC |
This content was AI-rewritten and enriched by Shimi's Cyber World based on the original source. All intellectual property rights remain with the original author.
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