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-C2J9-4WQG-96J4
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2023-05-10 15:30 – Updated: 2024-04-04 04:00Uncontrolled search path in the WULT software maintained by Intel(R) before version 1.0.0 (commit id 592300b) may allow an unauthenticated user to potentially enable escalation of privilege via network access.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2023-27298"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-427",
"CWE-428"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2023-05-10T14:15:32Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Uncontrolled search path in the WULT software maintained by Intel(R) before version 1.0.0 (commit id 592300b) may allow an unauthenticated user to potentially enable escalation of privilege via network access.",
"id": "GHSA-c2j9-4wqg-96j4",
"modified": "2024-04-04T04:00:50Z",
"published": "2023-05-10T15:30:22Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2023-27298"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/security-center/advisory/intel-sa-00853.html"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-C447-7QCM-FMV2
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2025-12-26 09:30 – Updated: 2025-12-26 09:30Improper quotation in search paths in the Eaton UPS Companion software installer could lead to arbitrary code execution of an attacker with the access to the
file system. This security issue has been fixed in the latest version of EUC which is available on the Eaton download center.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2025-59888"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-428"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2025-12-26T07:15:45Z",
"severity": "MODERATE"
},
"details": "Improper quotation in search paths in the Eaton UPS Companion software installer could lead to arbitrary code execution of an attacker with the access to the \n\nfile system. This security issue has been fixed in the latest version of EUC which is available on the Eaton download center.",
"id": "GHSA-c447-7qcm-fmv2",
"modified": "2025-12-26T09:30:17Z",
"published": "2025-12-26T09:30:17Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2025-59888"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.eaton.com/content/dam/eaton/company/news-insights/cybersecurity/security-bulletins/etn-va-2025-1026.pdf"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-C5FJ-4HXW-MXFM
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-14 01:07 – Updated: 2022-05-14 01:07WINMAGIC SecureDoc Disk Encryption software before 8.3 has an Unquoted Service Path vulnerability, which could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code on a target system. If the executable is enclosed in quote tags "" then the system will know where to find it. However if the path of where the application binary is located doesn't contain any quotes then Windows will try to find it and execute it inside every folder of this path until they reach the executable.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2018-20341"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-428"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2019-04-08T15:29:00Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "WINMAGIC SecureDoc Disk Encryption software before 8.3 has an Unquoted Service Path vulnerability, which could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code on a target system. If the executable is enclosed in quote tags \"\" then the system will know where to find it. However if the path of where the application binary is located doesn\u0027t contain any quotes then Windows will try to find it and execute it inside every folder of this path until they reach the executable.",
"id": "GHSA-c5fj-4hxw-mxfm",
"modified": "2022-05-14T01:07:06Z",
"published": "2022-05-14T01:07:06Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2018-20341"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://downloads.winmagic.info/manuals/Release_Notes_8.3.pdf"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.0/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-C5HV-MRW8-7C5R
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2025-09-17 06:30 – Updated: 2025-09-17 06:30RAID Manager provided by Century 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 SYSTEM privilege.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2025-59307"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-428"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2025-09-17T04:16:12Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "RAID Manager provided by Century 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 SYSTEM privilege.",
"id": "GHSA-c5hv-mrw8-7c5r",
"modified": "2025-09-17T06:30:23Z",
"published": "2025-09-17T06:30:23Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2025-59307"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://jvn.jp/en/jp/JVN84697061"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.century.co.jp/support/products-info/notice-r-m.html"
}
],
"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-C6HG-X56F-2F88
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-13 01:07 – Updated: 2025-04-20 03:43An Unquoted Search Path or Element issue was discovered in Automated Logic Corporation (ALC) ALC WebCTRL, i-Vu, SiteScan Web 6.5 and prior; ALC WebCTRL, SiteScan Web 6.1 and prior; ALC WebCTRL, i-Vu 6.0 and prior; ALC WebCTRL, i-Vu, SiteScan Web 5.5 and prior; and ALC WebCTRL, i-Vu, SiteScan Web 5.2 and prior. An unquoted search path vulnerability may allow a non-privileged local attacker to change files in the installation directory and execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2017-9644"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-428"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2017-08-25T19:29:00Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "An Unquoted Search Path or Element issue was discovered in Automated Logic Corporation (ALC) ALC WebCTRL, i-Vu, SiteScan Web 6.5 and prior; ALC WebCTRL, SiteScan Web 6.1 and prior; ALC WebCTRL, i-Vu 6.0 and prior; ALC WebCTRL, i-Vu, SiteScan Web 5.5 and prior; and ALC WebCTRL, i-Vu, SiteScan Web 5.2 and prior. An unquoted search path vulnerability may allow a non-privileged local attacker to change files in the installation directory and execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges.",
"id": "GHSA-c6hg-x56f-2f88",
"modified": "2025-04-20T03:43:51Z",
"published": "2022-05-13T01:07:40Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2017-9644"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://ics-cert.us-cert.gov/advisories/ICSA-17-234-01"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/42542"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/100454"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.0/AV:L/AC:H/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-C6M2-V2GC-MX6M
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-04-02 00:00 – Updated: 2022-04-09 00:00Xftp 7.0.0088p and below contains a binary hijack vulnerability which allows attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted .exe file.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2022-27963"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-428"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2022-03-31T23:15:00Z",
"severity": "MODERATE"
},
"details": "Xftp 7.0.0088p and below contains a binary hijack vulnerability which allows attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted .exe file.",
"id": "GHSA-c6m2-v2gc-mx6m",
"modified": "2022-04-09T00:00:50Z",
"published": "2022-04-02T00:00:17Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2022-27963"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://github.com/ycdxsb/Vuln/tree/main/NetSarang-CreateProcessW-Misuse-Binary-Hijack/Xftp-CreateProcessW-Misuse-Binary-Hijack"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.netsarang.com/en/xftp-update-history"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:H/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-C8CP-33HR-C24P
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2026-06-19 15:33 – Updated: 2026-06-19 15:33Realtek Audio Service 1.0.0.55 contains an unquoted service path vulnerability in RtkAudioService64.exe that allows local attackers to escalate privileges by injecting malicious code. Attackers can place executable files in the unquoted service path directory to execute arbitrary code with LocalSystem privileges during service startup or system reboot.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2020-37252"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-428"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2026-06-19T15:16:34Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Realtek Audio Service 1.0.0.55 contains an unquoted service path vulnerability in RtkAudioService64.exe that allows local attackers to escalate privileges by injecting malicious code. Attackers can place executable files in the unquoted service path directory to execute arbitrary code with LocalSystem privileges during service startup or system reboot.",
"id": "GHSA-c8cp-33hr-c24p",
"modified": "2026-06-19T15:33:18Z",
"published": "2026-06-19T15:33:18Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2020-37252"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/49015"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.realtek.com/en"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/realtek-audio-service-unquoted-service-path-privilege-escalation"
}
],
"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-CCM5-R6JV-M624
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2026-01-21 18:30 – Updated: 2026-01-21 18:30ActivIdentity 8.2 contains an unquoted service path vulnerability in the ac.sharedstore service that allows local attackers to potentially execute arbitrary code. Attackers can exploit the unquoted binary path in C:\Program Files\Common Files\ActivIdentity\ to inject malicious executables and escalate privileges.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2021-47859"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-428"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2026-01-21T18:16:16Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "ActivIdentity 8.2 contains an unquoted service path vulnerability in the ac.sharedstore service that allows local attackers to potentially execute arbitrary code. Attackers can exploit the unquoted binary path in C:\\Program Files\\Common Files\\ActivIdentity\\ to inject malicious executables and escalate privileges.",
"id": "GHSA-ccm5-r6jv-m624",
"modified": "2026-01-21T18:30:31Z",
"published": "2026-01-21T18:30:31Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2021-47859"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/49703"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.hidglobal.com"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/actividentity-acsharedstore-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-CF2J-VP4V-VP5C
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2026-01-14 00:31 – Updated: 2026-01-14 00:31Wondershare Dr.Fone 12.0.18 contains an unquoted service path vulnerability that allows local users to execute arbitrary code with elevated system privileges. Attackers can exploit the misconfigured service path to insert malicious code that will be executed with LocalSystem permissions during service startup.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2022-50900"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-428"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2026-01-13T23:15:52Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Wondershare Dr.Fone 12.0.18 contains an unquoted service path vulnerability that allows local users to execute arbitrary code with elevated system privileges. Attackers can exploit the misconfigured service path to insert malicious code that will be executed with LocalSystem permissions during service startup.",
"id": "GHSA-cf2j-vp4v-vp5c",
"modified": "2026-01-14T00:31:27Z",
"published": "2026-01-14T00:31:27Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2022-50900"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/50813"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/wondershare-drfone-wondershare-installassist-unquoted-service-path"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.wondershare.com"
}
],
"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-CF3Q-GHM6-4Q45
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2026-02-06 18:30 – Updated: 2026-02-06 18:30Alps HID Monitor Service 8.1.0.10 contains an unquoted service path vulnerability that allows local attackers to potentially execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges. Attackers can exploit the unquoted path in C:\Program Files\Apoint2K\HidMonitorSvc.exe to inject malicious executables and gain system-level access.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2019-25292"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-428"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2026-02-06T17:16:10Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Alps HID Monitor Service 8.1.0.10 contains an unquoted service path vulnerability that allows local attackers to potentially execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges. Attackers can exploit the unquoted path in C:\\Program Files\\Apoint2K\\HidMonitorSvc.exe to inject malicious executables and gain system-level access.",
"id": "GHSA-cf3q-ghm6-4q45",
"modified": "2026-02-06T18:30:31Z",
"published": "2026-02-06T18:30:31Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2019-25292"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.alps.com/e"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/47605"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/alps-hid-monitor-service-aphidmonitorservice-unquote-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"
}
]
}
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.