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-9736-7XHM-G3FF
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2023-04-29 03:30 – Updated: 2023-04-29 03:30A vulnerability was found in ks-soft Advanced Host Monitor up to 12.56 and classified as problematic. Affected by this issue is some unknown functionality of the file C:\Program Files (x86)\HostMonitor\RMA-Win\rma_active.exe. The manipulation leads to unquoted search path. It is possible to launch the attack on the local host. Upgrading to version 12.60 is able to address this issue. It is recommended to upgrade the affected component. VDB-227714 is the identifier assigned to this vulnerability.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2023-2417"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-428"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2023-04-29T01:15:08Z",
"severity": "MODERATE"
},
"details": "A vulnerability was found in ks-soft Advanced Host Monitor up to 12.56 and classified as problematic. Affected by this issue is some unknown functionality of the file C:\\Program Files (x86)\\HostMonitor\\RMA-Win\\rma_active.exe. The manipulation leads to unquoted search path. It is possible to launch the attack on the local host. Upgrading to version 12.60 is able to address this issue. It is recommended to upgrade the affected component. VDB-227714 is the identifier assigned to this vulnerability.",
"id": "GHSA-9736-7xhm-g3ff",
"modified": "2023-04-29T03:30:17Z",
"published": "2023-04-29T03:30:17Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2023-2417"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://vuldb.com/?ctiid.227714"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://vuldb.com/?id.227714"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/172105/Advanced-Host-Monitor-12.56-Unquoted-Service-Path.html"
}
],
"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-98CC-P3H8-JPVQ
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2026-01-28 15:31 – Updated: 2026-01-28 15:31Input Director 1.4.3 contains an unquoted service path vulnerability in its Windows service configuration that allows local attackers to execute code with elevated privileges. Attackers can exploit the unquoted path during system startup or reboot to inject and run malicious executables with LocalSystem permissions.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2020-36990"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-428"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2026-01-28T13:15:52Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Input Director 1.4.3 contains an unquoted service path vulnerability in its Windows service configuration that allows local attackers to execute code with elevated privileges. Attackers can exploit the unquoted path during system startup or reboot to inject and run malicious executables with LocalSystem permissions.",
"id": "GHSA-98cc-p3h8-jpvq",
"modified": "2026-01-28T15:31:30Z",
"published": "2026-01-28T15:31:30Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2020-36990"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/48795"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.inputdirector.com"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/input-director-input-director-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-993C-4HX4-CG4R
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-24 17:37 – Updated: 2022-05-24 17:37The Inventory module of the 1E Client 5.0.0.745 doesn't handle an unquoted path when executing %PROGRAMFILES%\1E\Client\Tachyon.Performance.Metrics.exe. This may allow remote authenticated users and local users to gain elevated privileges.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2020-27645"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-428"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2020-12-29T21:15:00Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "The Inventory module of the 1E Client 5.0.0.745 doesn\u0027t handle an unquoted path when executing %PROGRAMFILES%\\1E\\Client\\Tachyon.Performance.Metrics.exe. This may allow remote authenticated users and local users to gain elevated privileges.",
"id": "GHSA-993c-4hx4-cg4r",
"modified": "2022-05-24T17:37:25Z",
"published": "2022-05-24T17:37:25Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2020-27645"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://help.1e.com/display/GI/1E+Security+Advisory-1E+Client+for+Windows%3A+CVE-2020-16268%2C+CVE-2020-27643%2C+CVE-2020-27644%2C+CVE-2020-27645"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": []
}
GHSA-99JF-RPJR-FWJV
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2026-06-19 15:33 – Updated: 2026-06-19 15:33Windows Firewall Control 4.8.6.0 contains an unquoted service path vulnerability that allows local attackers to escalate privileges by inserting malicious executables in the service path. Attackers can place executable files in unquoted path directories that the wfcs.exe service will execute with LocalSystem privileges upon service restart or system reboot.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2016-20091"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-428"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2026-06-19T15:16:32Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Windows Firewall Control 4.8.6.0 contains an unquoted service path vulnerability that allows local attackers to escalate privileges by inserting malicious executables in the service path. Attackers can place executable files in unquoted path directories that the wfcs.exe service will execute with LocalSystem privileges upon service restart or system reboot.",
"id": "GHSA-99jf-rpjr-fwjv",
"modified": "2026-06-19T15:33:18Z",
"published": "2026-06-19T15:33:18Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2016-20091"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/40443"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/windows-firewall-control-unquoted-service-path-privilege-escalation"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.binisoft.org"
}
],
"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-99MQ-X342-PPQ6
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2026-01-21 18:30 – Updated: 2026-01-21 18:30OSAS Traverse Extension 11 contains an unquoted service path vulnerability in the TravExtensionHostSvc service running with LocalSystem privileges. Attackers can exploit the unquoted path to inject and execute malicious code by placing executable files in the service's path, potentially gaining elevated system access.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2021-47864"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-428"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2026-01-21T18:16:18Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "OSAS Traverse Extension 11 contains an unquoted service path vulnerability in the TravExtensionHostSvc service running with LocalSystem privileges. Attackers can exploit the unquoted path to inject and execute malicious code by placing executable files in the service\u0027s path, potentially gaining elevated system access.",
"id": "GHSA-99mq-x342-ppq6",
"modified": "2026-01-21T18:30:31Z",
"published": "2026-01-21T18:30:31Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2021-47864"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20200817150522/https://www.osas.com"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/49698"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/osas-traverse-extension-travextensionhostsvc-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-9CJM-JVQX-XQ8Q
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2025-10-31 18:31 – Updated: 2025-10-31 18:31The service Bizerba Communication Server (BCS) has an unquoted service path. Due to the way Windows searches the executable for the BCS service, malicious programs can be executed.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2025-12507"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-428"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2025-10-31T16:15:39Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "The service Bizerba Communication Server (BCS) has an unquoted service path. Due to the way Windows searches the executable for the BCS service, malicious programs can be executed.",
"id": "GHSA-9cjm-jvqx-xq8q",
"modified": "2025-10-31T18:31:14Z",
"published": "2025-10-31T18:31:14Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2025-12507"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.bizerba.com/downloads/global/information-security/2025/bizerba-sa-2025-0005.pdf"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-9H8Q-9MHQ-W5Q4
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2025-12-23 00:30 – Updated: 2025-12-23 00:30Cobian Backup Gravity 11.2.0.582 contains an unquoted service path vulnerability that allows local users to potentially execute arbitrary code with elevated system privileges. Attackers can exploit the unquoted service path in the CobianBackup11 service to inject malicious code that would execute with LocalSystem privileges during service startup.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2022-50688"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-428"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2025-12-22T22:15:59Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Cobian Backup Gravity 11.2.0.582 contains an unquoted service path vulnerability that allows local users to potentially execute arbitrary code with elevated system privileges. Attackers can exploit the unquoted service path in the CobianBackup11 service to inject malicious code that would execute with LocalSystem privileges during service startup.",
"id": "GHSA-9h8q-9mhq-w5q4",
"modified": "2025-12-23T00:30:31Z",
"published": "2025-12-23T00:30:31Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2022-50688"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.cobiansoft.com"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/50791"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/cobian-backup-gravity-unquoted-service-path-privilege-escalation"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/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-9MV8-29R8-JW5C
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2026-06-19 15:33 – Updated: 2026-06-19 15:33Comodo Dragon Browser versions up to 52.15.25.663 contain a privilege escalation vulnerability in the DragonUpdater service due to an unquoted service path running 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-2016-20090"
],
"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 Dragon Browser versions up to 52.15.25.663 contain a privilege escalation vulnerability in the DragonUpdater service due to an unquoted service path running 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-9mv8-29r8-jw5c",
"modified": "2026-06-19T15:33:18Z",
"published": "2026-06-19T15:33:18Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2016-20090"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.comodo.com"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.comodo.com/home/browsers-toolbars/browser.php"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/40471"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/comodo-dragon-browser-privilege-escalation-via-unquoted-service-path"
},
{
"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-9P4G-QFJ4-PJVF
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2026-02-05 00:31 – Updated: 2026-02-05 00:31ProShow Producer 9.0.3797 contains an unquoted service path vulnerability in the ScsiAccess service that allows local attackers to potentially execute arbitrary code. Attackers can exploit the unquoted binary path to inject malicious executables that will be run with LocalSystem privileges during service startup.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2019-25274"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-428"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2026-02-05T00:15:51Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "ProShow Producer 9.0.3797 contains an unquoted service path vulnerability in the ScsiAccess service that allows local attackers to potentially execute arbitrary code. Attackers can exploit the unquoted binary path to inject malicious executables that will be run with LocalSystem privileges during service startup.",
"id": "GHSA-9p4g-qfj4-pjvf",
"modified": "2026-02-05T00:31:01Z",
"published": "2026-02-05T00:31:01Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2019-25274"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/47705"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/proshow-producer-unquoted-service-path"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.photodex.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-9Q9Q-5RW5-GP2H
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2025-03-12 18:32 – Updated: 2025-03-14 18:30Xerox Desktop Print Experience application contains a Local Privilege Escalation (LPE) vulnerability, which allows a low-privileged user to gain SYSTEM-level access.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2025-1984"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-269",
"CWE-428"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2025-03-12T16:15:20Z",
"severity": "MODERATE"
},
"details": "Xerox Desktop Print Experience application contains a Local Privilege Escalation (LPE) vulnerability, which allows a low-privileged user to gain SYSTEM-level access.",
"id": "GHSA-9q9q-5rw5-gp2h",
"modified": "2025-03-14T18:30:49Z",
"published": "2025-03-12T18:32:52Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2025-1984"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://securitydocs.business.xerox.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Xerox-Security-Bulletin-XRX25-004-for-Xerox-FreeFlow-Print-Server-v7.pdf"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://securitydocs.business.xerox.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Xerox-Security-Bulletin-XRX25-006-for-Xerox-Desktop-Print-Experience.pdf"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:L/I:L/A:N",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
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.