CVE-2016-20033 Wowza Streaming Engine 4.5.0 Local Privilege Escalation via nssm_x64.exe
Authenticated local attackers can escalate privileges to LocalSystem by replacing service executables due to insecure file permissions.
- Exploited in the wild
- Not known
- Login needed
- Any signed-in user
- Attackable
- Local or same network only
- Victim action needed
- Not needed
- Fix
- None listed
What is CVE-2016-20033?
CVE-2016-20033 is a high-severity vulnerability in Wowza Streaming Engine, published on 15 Mar 2026. It can only be exploited from the same machine or local network, with no action from the victim.
Official description
Wowza Streaming Engine 4.5.0 contains a local privilege escalation vulnerability that allows authenticated users to escalate privileges by replacing executable files due to improper file permissions granting full access to the Everyone group. Attackers can replace the nssm_x64.exe binary in the manager and engine service directories with malicious executables to execute code with LocalSystem privileges when services restart.
Weakness: CWE-639
Which versions are affected by CVE-2016-20033?
It affects 1 product.
Products include Wowza Streaming Engine.
How do I fix CVE-2016-20033?
No fix has been published for CVE-2016-20033 yet. Limit exposure of the affected software until one is available.
Is CVE-2016-20033 being exploited?
It is not confirmed as exploited in the wild, but public exploit code for CVE-2016-20033 exists.
Other vulnerabilities in Wowza Streaming Engine
Sources
Also known as GHSA-fmp5-4w5p-wx24.