Nssm-2.24 Privilege Escalation -

sc config "ServiceName" binPath= "\"C:\Program Files\NSSM\nssm.exe\" install..." Use code with caution. 2. Upgrade NSSM

Are you writing a and need help formatting the finding? Share public link

This article explores how NSSM 2.24 can be weaponized by a malicious actor with low-privileged access to elevate their rights to level. We will dissect the technical mechanisms, walk through a proof-of-concept, and provide actionable mitigation strategies for organizations still relying on this legacy version. nssm-2.24 privilege escalation

The most effective fix is ensuring standard users cannot write to service directories. Restrict write access to Administrators and SYSTEM only.

NSSM's functionality includes the ability to run applications under a dedicated user account, maintain service dependencies, and manage output logs. However, its power as a service manager also makes it a potent target for attackers seeking to leverage its elevated execution context. Share public link This article explores how NSSM 2

Check the permissions on the registry keys where NSSM stores its parameters. Ensure that standard users cannot modify keys under HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\ . 3. Use Service Accounts

Attackers use Windows built-in tools or scripts like PowerUp to find services with weak permissions. A manual command looks like this: Restrict write access to Administrators and SYSTEM only

The for CVE-2025-41686 and CVE-2016-20033 reflects the ease of exploitation (Low Attack Complexity, Low Privileges Required) and the severe consequences. CVE-2024-51448, with a score of 6.7 (Medium), is less severe because it requires an attacker to already have "High" privileges to exploit it, though it still enables a jump to Administrator.