Common Weakness Enumeration
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-M399-CMX3-4W92
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-14 03:01 – Updated: 2022-05-14 03:01
VLAI
Details
Unquoted service paths in Intel Quartus Prime in versions 15.1 - 18.0 allow a local attacker to potentially execute arbitrary code.
Severity
7.8 (High)
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2018-3683"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-428"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2018-07-10T21:29:00Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Unquoted service paths in Intel Quartus Prime in versions 15.1 - 18.0 allow a local attacker to potentially execute arbitrary code.",
"id": "GHSA-m399-cmx3-4w92",
"modified": "2022-05-14T03:01:00Z",
"published": "2022-05-14T03:01:00Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2018-3683"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/security-center/advisory/intel-sa-00151.html"
}
],
"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-M3PF-3VPC-6M5J
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2023-01-16 12:30 – Updated: 2023-01-16 12:30
VLAI
Details
In multiple versions of HIMA PC based Software an unquoted Windows search path vulnerability might allow local users to gain privileges via a malicious .exe file and gain full access to the system.
Severity
7.8 (High)
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2022-4258"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-428"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2023-01-16T10:15:00Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "In multiple versions of HIMA PC based Software an unquoted Windows search path vulnerability might allow local users to gain privileges via a malicious .exe file and gain full access to the system.",
"id": "GHSA-m3pf-3vpc-6m5j",
"modified": "2023-01-16T12:30:18Z",
"published": "2023-01-16T12:30:18Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2022-4258"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://cert.vde.com/en/advisories/VDE-2022-059"
}
],
"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-M3WH-8WX7-234H
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2026-01-21 18:30 – Updated: 2026-01-21 18:30
VLAI
Details
WIN-PACK PRO 4.8 contains an unquoted service path vulnerability in the WPCommandFileService that allows local users to potentially execute code with elevated privileges. Attackers can exploit the unquoted path in C:\Program Files \WINPAKPRO\WPCommandFileService Service.exe to inject malicious code that would execute with LocalSystem permissions.
Severity
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2021-47868"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-428"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2026-01-21T18:16:19Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "WIN-PACK PRO 4.8 contains an unquoted service path vulnerability in the WPCommandFileService that allows local users to potentially execute code with elevated privileges. Attackers can exploit the unquoted path in C:\\Program Files \u003cx86\u003e\\WINPAKPRO\\WPCommandFileService Service.exe to inject malicious code that would execute with LocalSystem permissions.",
"id": "GHSA-m3wh-8wx7-234h",
"modified": "2026-01-21T18:30:31Z",
"published": "2026-01-21T18:30:31Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2021-47868"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/49692"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.security.honeywell.com/product-repository/winpak"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/win-pack-pro-wpcommandfileservice-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-M548-H385-VQM2
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2026-01-26 18:31 – Updated: 2026-01-26 18:31
VLAI
Details
Kite 1.2020.1119.0 contains an unquoted service path vulnerability in the KiteService Windows service that allows local attackers to potentially execute arbitrary code. Attackers can exploit the unquoted path in 'C:\Program Files\Kite\KiteService.exe' to inject malicious executables and escalate privileges on the system.
Severity
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2020-36958"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-428"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2026-01-26T18:16:26Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Kite 1.2020.1119.0 contains an unquoted service path vulnerability in the KiteService Windows service that allows local attackers to potentially execute arbitrary code. Attackers can exploit the unquoted path in \u0027C:\\Program Files\\Kite\\KiteService.exe\u0027 to inject malicious executables and escalate privileges on the system.",
"id": "GHSA-m548-h385-vqm2",
"modified": "2026-01-26T18:31:30Z",
"published": "2026-01-26T18:31:30Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2020-36958"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/49205"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.kite.com"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/kite-kiteservice-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-M54C-47FQ-9P83
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2026-06-19 15:33 – Updated: 2026-06-19 15:33
VLAI
Details
RealTimes Desktop Service 18.1.4 contains an unquoted service path vulnerability in the rpdsvc.exe binary that allows local attackers to escalate privileges. Attackers can place malicious executables in unquoted path directories to execute arbitrary code with LocalSystem privileges during service startup or system reboot.
Severity
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2020-37251"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-428"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2026-06-19T15:16:33Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "RealTimes Desktop Service 18.1.4 contains an unquoted service path vulnerability in the rpdsvc.exe binary that allows local attackers to escalate privileges. Attackers can place malicious executables in unquoted path directories to execute arbitrary code with LocalSystem privileges during service startup or system reboot.",
"id": "GHSA-m54c-47fq-9p83",
"modified": "2026-06-19T15:33:18Z",
"published": "2026-06-19T15:33:18Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2020-37251"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/49021"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.real.com"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/realtimes-desktop-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-M5GV-M5F9-WGV4
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2024-09-25 18:31 – Updated: 2024-10-09 22:12
VLAI
Summary
Grafana Agent (Flow mode) on Windows has Unquoted Search Path or Element vulnerability
Details
Unquoted Search Path or Element vulnerability in Grafana Agent (Flow mode) on Windows allows Privilege Escalation from Local User to SYSTEM. This issue affects Agent Flow before 0.43.3.
Severity
{
"affected": [
{
"package": {
"ecosystem": "Go",
"name": "github.com/grafana/agent"
},
"ranges": [
{
"events": [
{
"introduced": "0"
},
{
"fixed": "0.43.3"
}
],
"type": "ECOSYSTEM"
}
]
}
],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2024-8996"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-428"
],
"github_reviewed": true,
"github_reviewed_at": "2024-10-01T22:29:13Z",
"nvd_published_at": "2024-09-25T17:15:19Z",
"severity": "MODERATE"
},
"details": "Unquoted Search Path or Element vulnerability in Grafana Agent (Flow mode) on Windows allows Privilege Escalation from Local User to SYSTEM.\nThis issue affects Agent Flow before 0.43.3.",
"id": "GHSA-m5gv-m5f9-wgv4",
"modified": "2024-10-09T22:12:28Z",
"published": "2024-09-25T18:31:21Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2024-8996"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://github.com/grafana/agent/commit/91bab2c05906938d3f8e1e3c61a863f037985299"
},
{
"type": "PACKAGE",
"url": "https://github.com/grafana/agent"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://github.com/grafana/agent/releases/tag/v0.43.2"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://github.com/grafana/agent/releases/tag/v0.43.3"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://grafana.com/blog/2024/09/25/grafana-alloy-and-grafana-agent-flow-security-release-high-severity-fix-for-cve-2024-8975-and-cve-2024-8996"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://grafana.com/security/security-advisories/cve-2024-8996"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://pkg.go.dev/vuln/GO-2024-3170"
}
],
"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"
},
{
"score": "CVSS:4.0/AV:L/AC:L/AT:N/PR:L/UI:A/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N/E:U",
"type": "CVSS_V4"
}
],
"summary": "Grafana Agent (Flow mode) on Windows has Unquoted Search Path or Element vulnerability"
}
GHSA-M5QF-4XVF-462H
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2024-01-31 15:30 – Updated: 2024-02-09 03:32
VLAI
Details
Unquoted service path in ESET products allows to
drop a prepared program to a specific location and run on boot with the
NT AUTHORITY\NetworkService permissions.
Severity
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2023-7043"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-428"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2024-01-31T13:15:10Z",
"severity": "LOW"
},
"details": "Unquoted service path in ESET products allows to \n\ndrop a prepared program to a specific location\u00a0and\u00a0run on boot with the \n\nNT AUTHORITY\\NetworkService\u00a0permissions.",
"id": "GHSA-m5qf-4xvf-462h",
"modified": "2024-02-09T03:32:58Z",
"published": "2024-01-31T15:30:19Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2023-7043"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://support.eset.com/en/ca8602"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:L/A:N",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-M6PP-CVWM-HR7V
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2025-11-11 18:30 – Updated: 2025-11-11 18:30
VLAI
Details
Unquoted search path for some PRI Driver software before version 03.03.1002 within Ring 3: User Applications may allow an escalation of privilege. Unprivileged software adversary with an authenticated user combined with a high complexity attack may enable escalation of privilege. This result may potentially occur via local access when attack requirements are present without special internal knowledge and requires active user interaction. The potential vulnerability may impact the confidentiality (high), integrity (high) and availability (high) of the vulnerable system, resulting in subsequent system confidentiality (none), integrity (none) and availability (none) impacts.
Severity
6.7 (Medium)
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2025-32449"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-428"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2025-11-11T17:15:49Z",
"severity": "MODERATE"
},
"details": "Unquoted search path for some PRI Driver software before version 03.03.1002 within Ring 3: User Applications may allow an escalation of privilege. Unprivileged software adversary with an authenticated user combined with a high complexity attack may enable escalation of privilege. This result may potentially occur via local access when attack requirements are present without special internal knowledge and requires active user interaction. The potential vulnerability may impact the confidentiality (high), integrity (high) and availability (high) of the vulnerable system, resulting in subsequent system confidentiality (none), integrity (none) and availability (none) impacts.",
"id": "GHSA-m6pp-cvwm-hr7v",
"modified": "2025-11-11T18:30:19Z",
"published": "2025-11-11T18:30:19Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2025-32449"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://intel.com/content/www/us/en/security-center/advisory/intel-sa-01394.html"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:H/PR:L/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
},
{
"score": "CVSS:4.0/AV:L/AC:H/AT:P/PR:L/UI:A/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-M95V-G4PM-PCQ9
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-24 17:11 – Updated: 2024-04-04 02:49
VLAI
Details
An unquoted service path vulnerability in the FortiClient FortiTray component of FortiClientWindows v6.2.2 and prior allow an attacker to gain elevated privileges via the FortiClientConsole executable service path.
Severity
9.8 (Critical)
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2019-17658"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-428"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2020-03-12T22:15:00Z",
"severity": "CRITICAL"
},
"details": "An unquoted service path vulnerability in the FortiClient FortiTray component of FortiClientWindows v6.2.2 and prior allow an attacker to gain elevated privileges via the FortiClientConsole executable service path.",
"id": "GHSA-m95v-g4pm-pcq9",
"modified": "2024-04-04T02:49:19Z",
"published": "2022-05-24T17:11:22Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2019-17658"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://fortiguard.com/advisory/FG-IR-19-281"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-MCGR-RHR9-5298
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-14 01:18 – Updated: 2022-05-14 01:18
VLAI
Details
An unquoted search path vulnerability was identified in Lenovo Dynamic Power Reduction Utility prior to version 2.2.2.0 that could allow a malicious user with local access to execute code with administrative privileges.
Severity
6.7 (Medium)
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2019-6149"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-428"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2019-03-18T01:32:00Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "An unquoted search path vulnerability was identified in Lenovo Dynamic Power Reduction Utility prior to version 2.2.2.0 that could allow a malicious user with local access to execute code with administrative privileges.",
"id": "GHSA-mcgr-rhr9-5298",
"modified": "2022-05-14T01:18:19Z",
"published": "2022-05-14T01:18:19Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2019-6149"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://support.lenovo.com/solutions/LEN-25674"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/107438"
}
],
"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"
}
]
}
Mitigation
Implementation
Properly quote the full search path before executing a program on the system.
Mitigation MIT-5
Implementation
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
Implementation
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.