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.
767 vulnerabilities reference this CWE, most recent first.
GHSA-7J59-R42W-VHPQ
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2026-01-14 00:31 – Updated: 2026-01-14 00:31EaseUS Data Recovery 15.1.0.0 contains an unquoted service path vulnerability in the EaseUS UPDATE SERVICE executable. Attackers can exploit the unquoted path to inject and execute malicious code with elevated LocalSystem privileges.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2022-50914"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-428"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2026-01-13T23:15:54Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "EaseUS Data Recovery 15.1.0.0 contains an unquoted service path vulnerability in the EaseUS UPDATE SERVICE executable. Attackers can exploit the unquoted path to inject and execute malicious code with elevated LocalSystem privileges.",
"id": "GHSA-7j59-r42w-vhpq",
"modified": "2026-01-14T00:31:28Z",
"published": "2026-01-14T00:31:28Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2022-50914"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.easeus.com"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/50886"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/easeus-data-recovery-ensserverexe-unquoted-service-path"
}
],
"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-7J5P-C5CP-HRH6
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-07-19 00:00 – Updated: 2022-07-26 00:00A vulnerability has been found in FileZilla Client 3.17.0.0 and classified as problematic. This vulnerability affects unknown code of the file C:\Program Files\FileZilla FTP Client\uninstall.exe of the component Installer. The manipulation leads to unquoted search path. The attack can be initiated remotely. The exploit has been disclosed to the public and may be used.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2016-15003"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-428"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2022-07-18T09:15:00Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "A vulnerability has been found in FileZilla Client 3.17.0.0 and classified as problematic. This vulnerability affects unknown code of the file C:\\Program Files\\FileZilla FTP Client\\uninstall.exe of the component Installer. The manipulation leads to unquoted search path. The attack can be initiated remotely. The exploit has been disclosed to the public and may be used.",
"id": "GHSA-7j5p-c5cp-hrh6",
"modified": "2022-07-26T00:00:30Z",
"published": "2022-07-19T00:00:28Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2016-15003"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://vuldb.com/?id.97204"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/39803"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://youtu.be/r06VwwJ9J4M"
}
],
"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"
}
]
}
GHSA-7JQP-G5VC-78QC
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2026-01-27 21:31 – Updated: 2026-01-27 21:31Motorola Device Manager 2.4.5 contains an unquoted service path vulnerability in the PST Service that allows local users to potentially execute arbitrary code. Attackers can exploit the unquoted path in ForwardDaemon.exe to inject malicious code that will execute with elevated system privileges during service startup.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2020-36981"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-428"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2026-01-27T19:16:11Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Motorola Device Manager 2.4.5 contains an unquoted service path vulnerability in the PST Service that allows local users to potentially execute arbitrary code. Attackers can exploit the unquoted path in ForwardDaemon.exe to inject malicious code that will execute with elevated system privileges during service startup.",
"id": "GHSA-7jqp-g5vc-78qc",
"modified": "2026-01-27T21:31:47Z",
"published": "2026-01-27T21:31:47Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2020-36981"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/49011"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/49013"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.filehorse.com/es/descargar-motorola-device-manager"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/motorola-device-manager-forwarddaemonexe-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-7PFX-7J5F-HG26
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2026-02-06 18:30 – Updated: 2026-02-06 18:30SecurOS Enterprise 10.2 contains an unquoted service path vulnerability in the SecurosCtrlService that allows local users to potentially execute code with elevated privileges. Attackers can exploit the unquoted path in C:\Program Files (x86)\ISS\SecurOS\ to insert malicious code that would execute with system-level permissions during service startup.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2019-25304"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-428"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2026-02-06T17:16:11Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "SecurOS Enterprise 10.2 contains an unquoted service path vulnerability in the SecurosCtrlService that allows local users to potentially execute code with elevated privileges. Attackers can exploit the unquoted path in C:\\Program Files (x86)\\ISS\\SecurOS\\ to insert malicious code that would execute with system-level permissions during service startup.",
"id": "GHSA-7pfx-7j5f-hg26",
"modified": "2026-02-06T18:30:32Z",
"published": "2026-02-06T18:30:31Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2019-25304"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/47556"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.issivs.com"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.issivs.com/product-detail/secure-os-enterprise"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/intelligent-security-system-securos-enterprise-securosctrlservice-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-7QP4-FJ73-HM43
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-04-05 00:00 – Updated: 2022-04-13 00:00An Unquoted Service Path vulnerability exists in bVPN 2.5.1 via a specially crafted file in the waselvpnserv service path.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2021-43457"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-428"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2022-04-04T15:15:00Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "An Unquoted Service Path vulnerability exists in bVPN 2.5.1 via a specially crafted file in the waselvpnserv service path.",
"id": "GHSA-7qp4-fj73-hm43",
"modified": "2022-04-13T00:00:50Z",
"published": "2022-04-05T00:00:26Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2021-43457"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://exchange.xforce.ibmcloud.com/vulnerabilities/197938"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://github.com/M507/Miner"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/49632"
}
],
"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"
}
]
}
GHSA-7V23-PJMR-VQPV
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2026-01-25 15:30 – Updated: 2026-01-25 15:30Magic Mouse 2 Utilities 2.20 contains an unquoted service path vulnerability in its Windows service configuration. Attackers can exploit the unquoted path to inject malicious executables and gain elevated system privileges by placing a malicious file in the service path.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2020-36936"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-428"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2026-01-25T14:15:48Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Magic Mouse 2 Utilities 2.20 contains an unquoted service path vulnerability in its Windows service configuration. Attackers can exploit the unquoted path to inject malicious executables and gain elevated system privileges by placing a malicious file in the service path.",
"id": "GHSA-7v23-pjmr-vqpv",
"modified": "2026-01-25T15:30:26Z",
"published": "2026-01-25T15:30:26Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2020-36936"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://magicutilities.net/magic-mouse/home"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/49017"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/magic-mouse-utilities-magicmouseservice-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-7W4F-M98Q-HQ6G
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2026-06-19 15:33 – Updated: 2026-06-19 15:33Vembu StoreGrid 4.0 contains an unquoted service path vulnerability in the RemoteBackup and RemoteBackup_webServer services that allows local attackers to escalate privileges. Attackers can place a malicious executable in the unquoted path and restart the service to execute code with LocalSystem privileges.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2016-20086"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-428"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2026-06-19T15:16:32Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Vembu StoreGrid 4.0 contains an unquoted service path vulnerability in the RemoteBackup and RemoteBackup_webServer services that allows local attackers to escalate privileges. Attackers can place a malicious executable in the unquoted path and restart the service to execute code with LocalSystem privileges.",
"id": "GHSA-7w4f-m98q-hq6g",
"modified": "2026-06-19T15:33:18Z",
"published": "2026-06-19T15:33:18Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2016-20086"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/40582"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/vembu-storegrid-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-82X5-5GV8-V5H8
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-07-13 00:00 – Updated: 2022-07-17 00:00SAP BusinessObjects BW Publisher Service - versions 420, 430, uses a search path that contains an unquoted element. A local attacker can gain elevated privileges by inserting an executable file in the path of the affected service
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2022-31591"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-428"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2022-07-12T21:15:00Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "SAP BusinessObjects BW Publisher Service - versions 420, 430, uses a search path that contains an unquoted element. A local attacker can gain elevated privileges by inserting an executable file in the path of the affected service",
"id": "GHSA-82x5-5gv8-v5h8",
"modified": "2022-07-17T00:00:46Z",
"published": "2022-07-13T00:00:41Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2022-31591"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://launchpad.support.sap.com/#/notes/3167430"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.sap.com/documents/2022/02/fa865ea4-167e-0010-bca6-c68f7e60039b.html"
}
],
"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"
}
]
}
GHSA-84MF-XH48-5C9H
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-14 01:30 – Updated: 2022-05-14 01:30An unquoted search path vulnerability in some pre-installed applications on Panasonic PC run on Windows 7 (32bit), Windows 7 (64bit), Windows 8 (64bit), Windows 8.1 (64bit), Windows 10 (64bit) delivered in or later than October 2009 allow local users to gain privileges via a Trojan horse executable file and execute arbitrary code with eleveted privileges.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2018-16183"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-428"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2019-01-09T23:29:00Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "An unquoted search path vulnerability in some pre-installed applications on Panasonic PC run on Windows 7 (32bit), Windows 7 (64bit), Windows 8 (64bit), Windows 8.1 (64bit), Windows 10 (64bit) delivered in or later than October 2009 allow local users to gain privileges via a Trojan horse executable file and execute arbitrary code with eleveted privileges.",
"id": "GHSA-84mf-xh48-5c9h",
"modified": "2022-05-14T01:30:56Z",
"published": "2022-05-14T01:30:56Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2018-16183"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://jvn.jp/en/jp/JVN36895151/index.html"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://pc-dl.panasonic.co.jp/dl/docs/077770"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.0/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-85M7-W6GG-59M8
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-04-02 00:00 – Updated: 2022-04-09 00:00Xshell v7.0.0099 and below contains a binary hijack vulnerability which allows attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted .exe file.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2022-27966"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-428"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2022-03-31T23:15:00Z",
"severity": "MODERATE"
},
"details": "Xshell v7.0.0099 and below contains a binary hijack vulnerability which allows attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted .exe file.",
"id": "GHSA-85m7-w6gg-59m8",
"modified": "2022-04-09T00:00:49Z",
"published": "2022-04-02T00:00:17Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2022-27966"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://github.com/ycdxsb/Vuln/blob/main/NetSarang-CreateProcessW-Misuse-Binary-Hijack/Xshell-CreateProcessW-Misuse-Binary-Hijack"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.netsarang.com/en/xshell-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"
}
]
}
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.