CWE-428
AllowedUnquoted Search Path or Element
Abstraction: Base · Status: Draft
The product uses a search path that contains an unquoted element, in which the element contains whitespace or other separators. This can cause the product to access resources in a parent path.
772 vulnerabilities reference this CWE, most recent first.
GHSA-529V-M46P-Q4JF
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-13 01:10 – Updated: 2025-04-20 03:38Net Monitor for Employees Pro through 5.3.4 has an unquoted service path, which allows a Security Feature Bypass of its documented "Block applications" design goal. The local attacker must have privileges to write to program.exe in a protected directory, such as the %SYSTEMDRIVE% directory, and thus the issue is not interpreted as a direct privilege escalation. However, the local attacker might have the goal of executing program.exe even though program.exe is a blocked application.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2017-7180"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-428"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2017-06-08T12:29:00Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Net Monitor for Employees Pro through 5.3.4 has an unquoted service path, which allows a Security Feature Bypass of its documented \"Block applications\" design goal. The local attacker must have privileges to write to program.exe in a protected directory, such as the %SYSTEMDRIVE% directory, and thus the issue is not interpreted as a direct privilege escalation. However, the local attacker might have the goal of executing program.exe even though program.exe is a blocked application.",
"id": "GHSA-529v-m46p-q4jf",
"modified": "2025-04-20T03:38:36Z",
"published": "2022-05-13T01:10:00Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2017-7180"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/42141"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-5483-8H5W-C2HP
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2026-03-09 18:31 – Updated: 2026-03-09 18:31MobaXterm versions prior to 26.1 contain an uncontrolled search path element vulnerability. The application calls WinExec to execute Notepad++ without a fully qualified executable path when opening remote files. An attacker can exploit the search path behavior by placing a malicious executable earlier in the search order, resulting in arbitrary code execution in the context of the affected user.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2026-25866"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-428"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2026-03-09T16:16:18Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "MobaXterm versions prior to 26.1 contain an uncontrolled search path element vulnerability. The application calls WinExec to execute Notepad++ without a fully qualified executable path when opening remote files. An attacker can exploit the search path behavior by placing a malicious executable earlier in the search order, resulting in arbitrary code execution in the context of the affected user.",
"id": "GHSA-5483-8h5w-c2hp",
"modified": "2026-03-09T18:31:43Z",
"published": "2026-03-09T18:31:43Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-25866"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://mobaxterm.mobatek.net/download-home-edition.html"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/mobaxterm-notepad-unquoted-service-path"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
},
{
"score": "CVSS:4.0/AV:L/AC:L/AT:N/PR:L/UI:N/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N/E:X/CR:X/IR:X/AR:X/MAV:X/MAC:X/MAT:X/MPR:X/MUI:X/MVC:X/MVI:X/MVA:X/MSC:X/MSI:X/MSA:X/S:X/AU:X/R:X/V:X/RE:X/U:X",
"type": "CVSS_V4"
}
]
}
GHSA-54G2-GRV7-F82C
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2025-08-22 09:30 – Updated: 2025-08-22 09:30Western Digital Kitfox for Windows provided by Western Digital Corporation registers a Windows service with an unquoted file path. A user with the write permission on the root directory of the system drive may execute arbitrary code with the SYSTEM privilege.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2025-57699"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-428"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2025-08-22T07:15:45Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Western Digital Kitfox for Windows provided by Western Digital Corporation registers a Windows service with an unquoted file path.\nA user with the write permission on the root directory of the system drive may execute arbitrary code with the SYSTEM privilege.",
"id": "GHSA-54g2-grv7-f82c",
"modified": "2025-08-22T09:30:41Z",
"published": "2025-08-22T09:30:41Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2025-57699"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://jvn.jp/en/jp/JVN75211379"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.westerndigital.com/support/product-security/wdc-25004-western-digital-kitfox-software-version-1-1-1-1"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.0/AV:L/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
},
{
"score": "CVSS:4.0/AV:L/AC:L/AT:N/PR:H/UI:N/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N/E:X/CR:X/IR:X/AR:X/MAV:X/MAC:X/MAT:X/MPR:X/MUI:X/MVC:X/MVI:X/MVA:X/MSC:X/MSI:X/MSA:X/S:X/AU:X/R:X/V:X/RE:X/U:X",
"type": "CVSS_V4"
}
]
}
GHSA-56P5-HJP2-W73Q
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2026-01-27 21:31 – Updated: 2026-01-27 21:31Acer Global Registration Service 1.0.0.3 contains an unquoted service path vulnerability in its service configuration that allows local users to potentially execute arbitrary code. Attackers can exploit the unquoted path in C:\Program Files (x86)\Acer\Registration\ to inject malicious executables that would run with elevated LocalSystem privileges during service startup.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2020-36976"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-428"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2026-01-27T19:16:10Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Acer Global Registration Service 1.0.0.3 contains an unquoted service path vulnerability in its service configuration that allows local users to potentially execute arbitrary code. Attackers can exploit the unquoted path in C:\\Program Files (x86)\\Acer\\Registration\\ to inject malicious executables that would run with elevated LocalSystem privileges during service startup.",
"id": "GHSA-56p5-hjp2-w73q",
"modified": "2026-01-27T21:31:47Z",
"published": "2026-01-27T21:31:47Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2020-36976"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.acer.com/ac/en/US/content/home"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/49142"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/global-registration-service-gregsvcexe-unquoted-service-path"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
},
{
"score": "CVSS:4.0/AV:L/AC:L/AT:N/PR:L/UI:N/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N/E:X/CR:X/IR:X/AR:X/MAV:X/MAC:X/MAT:X/MPR:X/MUI:X/MVC:X/MVI:X/MVA:X/MSC:X/MSI:X/MSA:X/S:X/AU:X/R:X/V:X/RE:X/U:X",
"type": "CVSS_V4"
}
]
}
GHSA-57MW-H33W-C47G
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2026-01-21 18:30 – Updated: 2026-01-21 18:30MacPaw Encrypto 1.0.1 contains an unquoted service path vulnerability in its Encrypto Service configuration that allows local attackers to potentially execute arbitrary code. Attackers can exploit the unquoted path in C:\Program Files\Encrypto\ to inject malicious executables and escalate privileges on Windows systems.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2021-47863"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-428"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2026-01-21T18:16:17Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "MacPaw Encrypto 1.0.1 contains an unquoted service path vulnerability in its Encrypto Service configuration that allows local attackers to potentially execute arbitrary code. Attackers can exploit the unquoted path in C:\\Program Files\\Encrypto\\ to inject malicious executables and escalate privileges on Windows systems.",
"id": "GHSA-57mw-h33w-c47g",
"modified": "2026-01-21T18:30:31Z",
"published": "2026-01-21T18:30:31Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2021-47863"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://macpaw.com/encrypto"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/49694"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/macpaw-encrypto-encrypto-service-unquoted-service-path"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
},
{
"score": "CVSS:4.0/AV:L/AC:L/AT:N/PR:L/UI:N/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N/E:X/CR:X/IR:X/AR:X/MAV:X/MAC:X/MAT:X/MPR:X/MUI:X/MVC:X/MVI:X/MVA:X/MSC:X/MSI:X/MSA:X/S:X/AU:X/R:X/V:X/RE:X/U:X",
"type": "CVSS_V4"
}
]
}
GHSA-5CH6-F4PQ-Q5VF
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2026-02-03 15:30 – Updated: 2026-02-03 15:30AnyDesk 5.4.0 contains an unquoted service path vulnerability in its Windows service configuration that allows local attackers to potentially inject malicious executables. Attackers can exploit the unquoted binary path to place malicious files in service executable locations, potentially gaining elevated system privileges.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2019-25261"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-428"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2026-02-03T15:16:10Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "AnyDesk 5.4.0 contains an unquoted service path vulnerability in its Windows service configuration that allows local attackers to potentially inject malicious executables. Attackers can exploit the unquoted binary path to place malicious files in service executable locations, potentially gaining elevated system privileges.",
"id": "GHSA-5ch6-f4pq-q5vf",
"modified": "2026-02-03T15:30:23Z",
"published": "2026-02-03T15:30:23Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2019-25261"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/47883"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/anydesk-unquoted-service-path"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://anydesk.com"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
},
{
"score": "CVSS:4.0/AV:L/AC:L/AT:N/PR:L/UI:N/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N/E:X/CR:X/IR:X/AR:X/MAV:X/MAC:X/MAT:X/MPR:X/MUI:X/MVC:X/MVI:X/MVA:X/MSC:X/MSI:X/MSA:X/S:X/AU:X/R:X/V:X/RE:X/U:X",
"type": "CVSS_V4"
}
]
}
GHSA-5CHH-QR8V-GGJR
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2023-05-11 09:30 – Updated: 2023-05-11 09:30A vulnerability, which was classified as problematic, has been found in DigitalPersona FPSensor 1.0.0.1. This issue affects some unknown processing of the file C:\Program Files (x86)\FPSensor\bin\DpHost.exe. The manipulation leads to unquoted search path. Attacking locally is a requirement. The identifier VDB-228773 was assigned to this vulnerability.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2023-2644"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-428"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2023-05-11T07:15:08Z",
"severity": "MODERATE"
},
"details": "A vulnerability, which was classified as problematic, has been found in DigitalPersona FPSensor 1.0.0.1. This issue affects some unknown processing of the file C:\\Program Files (x86)\\FPSensor\\bin\\DpHost.exe. The manipulation leads to unquoted search path. Attacking locally is a requirement. The identifier VDB-228773 was assigned to this vulnerability.",
"id": "GHSA-5chh-qr8v-ggjr",
"modified": "2023-05-11T09:30:24Z",
"published": "2023-05-11T09:30:24Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2023-2644"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://vuldb.com/?ctiid.228773"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://vuldb.com/?id.228773"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.0/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:L/I:L/A:L",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-5FGG-W666-2WMP
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2026-02-05 00:31 – Updated: 2026-02-05 00:31Easy-Hide-IP 5.0.0.3 contains an unquoted service path vulnerability in the EasyRedirect service that allows local attackers to potentially execute arbitrary code. Attackers can exploit the unquoted path in 'C:\Program Files\Easy-Hide-IP\rdr\EasyRedirect.exe' to inject malicious executables and escalate privileges.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2019-25273"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-428"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2026-02-05T00:15:51Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Easy-Hide-IP 5.0.0.3 contains an unquoted service path vulnerability in the EasyRedirect service that allows local attackers to potentially execute arbitrary code. Attackers can exploit the unquoted path in \u0027C:\\Program Files\\Easy-Hide-IP\\rdr\\EasyRedirect.exe\u0027 to inject malicious executables and escalate privileges.",
"id": "GHSA-5fgg-w666-2wmp",
"modified": "2026-02-05T00:31:01Z",
"published": "2026-02-05T00:31:01Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2019-25273"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://easy-hide-ip.com"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/47712"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/easy-hide-ip-easyredirect-unquoted-service-path"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
},
{
"score": "CVSS:4.0/AV:L/AC:L/AT:N/PR:L/UI:N/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N/E:X/CR:X/IR:X/AR:X/MAV:X/MAC:X/MAT:X/MPR:X/MUI:X/MVC:X/MVI:X/MVA:X/MSC:X/MSI:X/MSA:X/S:X/AU:X/R:X/V:X/RE:X/U:X",
"type": "CVSS_V4"
}
]
}
GHSA-5FQ3-X65J-GVX5
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2026-06-19 15:33 – Updated: 2026-06-19 15:33Comodo Chromodo Browser 52.15.25.664 contains an unquoted service path vulnerability in the ChromodoUpdater service that runs with SYSTEM privileges. A local attacker can insert a malicious executable in the service path and execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges upon service restart or system reboot.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2016-20088"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-428"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2026-06-19T15:16:32Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Comodo Chromodo Browser 52.15.25.664 contains an unquoted service path vulnerability in the ChromodoUpdater service that runs with SYSTEM privileges. A local attacker can insert a malicious executable in the service path and execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges upon service restart or system reboot.",
"id": "GHSA-5fq3-x65j-gvx5",
"modified": "2026-06-19T15:33:18Z",
"published": "2026-06-19T15:33:18Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2016-20088"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.comodo.com"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.comodo.com/home/browsers-toolbars/chromodo-private-internet-browser.php"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/40473"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/comodo-chromodo-browser-unquoted-service-path-privilege-escalation"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://yildirimyunus.com"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
},
{
"score": "CVSS:4.0/AV:L/AC:L/AT:N/PR:L/UI:N/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N/E:X/CR:X/IR:X/AR:X/MAV:X/MAC:X/MAT:X/MPR:X/MUI:X/MVC:X/MVI:X/MVA:X/MSC:X/MSI:X/MSA:X/S:X/AU:X/R:X/V:X/RE:X/U:X",
"type": "CVSS_V4"
}
]
}
GHSA-5G78-6PRG-FX59
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2024-07-15 12:30 – Updated: 2024-07-15 12:30Unquoted Search Path or Element vulnerability in ABB Mint Workbench.
A local attacker who successfully exploited this vulnerability could gain elevated privileges by inserting an executable file in the path of the affected service.
This issue affects Mint Workbench I versions: from 5866 before 5868.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2024-5402"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-428"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2024-07-15T12:15:02Z",
"severity": "MODERATE"
},
"details": "Unquoted Search Path or Element vulnerability in ABB Mint Workbench.\n\n\n\nA local attacker who successfully exploited this vulnerability could gain elevated privileges by inserting an executable file in the path of the affected service.\n\n\nThis issue affects Mint Workbench I versions: from 5866 before 5868.",
"id": "GHSA-5g78-6prg-fx59",
"modified": "2024-07-15T12:30:39Z",
"published": "2024-07-15T12:30:39Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2024-5402"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://search.abb.com/library/Download.aspx?DocumentID=9AKK108469A7912\u0026LanguageCode=en\u0026DocumentPartId=1\u0026Action=Launch"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
},
{
"score": "CVSS:4.0/AV:L/AC:L/AT:N/PR:L/UI:N/VC:N/VI:L/VA:L/SC:L/SI:H/SA:H/E:X/CR:X/IR:X/AR:X/MAV:X/MAC:X/MAT:X/MPR:X/MUI:X/MVC:X/MVI:X/MVA:X/MSC:X/MSI:X/MSA:X/S:N/AU:Y/R:U/V:C/RE:L/U:X",
"type": "CVSS_V4"
}
]
}
Mitigation
Properly quote the full search path before executing a program on the system.
Mitigation MIT-5
Strategy: Input Validation
- Assume all input is malicious. Use an "accept known good" input validation strategy, i.e., use a list of acceptable inputs that strictly conform to specifications. Reject any input that does not strictly conform to specifications, or transform it into something that does.
- When performing input validation, consider all potentially relevant properties, including length, type of input, the full range of acceptable values, missing or extra inputs, syntax, consistency across related fields, and conformance to business rules. As an example of business rule logic, "boat" may be syntactically valid because it only contains alphanumeric characters, but it is not valid if the input is only expected to contain colors such as "red" or "blue."
- Do not rely exclusively on looking for malicious or malformed inputs. This is likely to miss at least one undesirable input, especially if the code's environment changes. This can give attackers enough room to bypass the intended validation. However, denylists can be useful for detecting potential attacks or determining which inputs are so malformed that they should be rejected outright.
Mitigation MIT-20
Strategy: Input Validation
Inputs should be decoded and canonicalized to the application's current internal representation before being validated (CWE-180). Make sure that the application does not decode the same input twice (CWE-174). Such errors could be used to bypass allowlist validation schemes by introducing dangerous inputs after they have been checked.
No CAPEC attack patterns related to this CWE.