CVE-2023-36657: An issue was discovered in OPSWAT MetaDefender KIOSK 4.6.1.9996

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CRITICAL 9.8REMOTEUPGRADE

CVE-2023-36657 is a critical-severity flaw (CVSS 9.8) affecting metadefender kiosk. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

An issue was discovered in OPSWAT MetaDefender KIOSK 4.6.1.9996. Built-in features of Windows (desktop shortcuts, narrator) can be abused for privilege escalation.

Why this priority

Critical severity
Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	9.8 (Critical)
Attack vector	Network (remote)
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	0.7% (top 47%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-269
Published	2023-09-15
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: opswat

Last updated 2026-06-17 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2023-09-15 06:15 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 06:06 UTCUpdated Record last modified

opswat metadefender kiosk UPGRADE

Affected: >= 4.5.0 and <= 4.6.1.9996

Fixed in: newer than 4.6.1.9996

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 4.5.0

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy metadefender-kiosk || rpm -q metadefender-kiosk || metadefender-kiosk --version

2. UPGRADE to newer than 4.6.1.9996 (Debian / Ubuntu)

sudo apt update && sudo apt install --only-upgrade metadefender-kiosk

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade metadefender-kiosk

Note

Distros often backport fixes without changing the version number. Confirm with the distro advisory or changelog.

3. If no update is available yet, DOWNGRADE to a release before 4.5.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison metadefender-kiosk sudo apt install metadefender-kiosk=<VERSION_BEFORE_4.5.0> sudo apt-mark hold metadefender-kiosk

3. If no update is available yet, DOWNGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

dnf --showduplicates list metadefender-kiosk sudo dnf downgrade metadefender-kiosk-<VERSION_BEFORE_4.5.0> sudo dnf versionlock add metadefender-kiosk

Downgrade risk

Downgrading can break dependent software and may reopen older bugs. Read the distro advisory first and test on a non-production host.

After downgrade

Restart the service, and keep the package held until a fixed release ships.

Verify at the official source NVD · CVE Program · Report a problem with this page
Scores and fixes here are computed automatically from those and other public sources. Confirm with the vendor advisory before changing production systems.

Quick answers

How do I fix CVE-2023-36657?

metadefender kiosk: upgrade to newer than 4.6.1.9996. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2023-36657 being exploited?

CVE-2023-36657 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

What does CVE-2023-36657 affect?

CVE-2023-36657 affects metadefender kiosk. Severity is critical (CVSS 9.8). An issue was discovered in OPSWAT MetaDefender KIOSK 4.6.1.9996. Built-in features of Windows (desktop shortcuts, narrator) can be abused for privilege escalation.

How urgent is CVE-2023-36657?

Priority 52/100. Critical severity; Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

Software pages

Windows vulnerabilities

Related CVEs

CVE-2023-36659 CRITICAL 9.8 UPGRADE An issue was discovered in OPSWAT MetaDefender KIOSK 4.6.1.9996
CVE-2023-36658 HIGH 7.8 UPGRADE UPGRADE An issue was discovered in OPSWAT MetaDefender KIOSK 4.6.1.9996

References

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