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-MFWF-2CJ2-J29M
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-21 00:01 – Updated: 2022-05-27 00:00Private Internet Access v3.3 contains an unquoted service path which allows attackers to escalate privileges to the system level.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2022-27092"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-428"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2022-05-20T13:15:00Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Private Internet Access v3.3 contains an unquoted service path which allows attackers to escalate privileges to the system level.",
"id": "GHSA-mfwf-2cj2-j29m",
"modified": "2022-05-27T00:00:45Z",
"published": "2022-05-21T00:01:04Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2022-27092"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/50804"
}
],
"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-MG67-HQ97-F99J
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-17 01:57 – Updated: 2022-05-17 01:57An unquoted service path vulnerability was identified in the driver for the ThinkPad Compact USB Keyboard with TrackPoint versions earlier than 1.5.5.0. This could allow an attacker with local privileges to execute code with administrative privileges.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2017-3751"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-428"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2017-08-10T00:29:00Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "An unquoted service path vulnerability was identified in the driver for the ThinkPad Compact USB Keyboard with TrackPoint versions earlier than 1.5.5.0. This could allow an attacker with local privileges to execute code with administrative privileges.",
"id": "GHSA-mg67-hq97-f99j",
"modified": "2022-05-17T01:57:41Z",
"published": "2022-05-17T01:57:41Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2017-3751"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://support.lenovo.com/us/en/product_security/LEN-15061"
}
],
"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-MH9Q-H34J-62WG
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2026-01-14 00:31 – Updated: 2026-01-14 00:31BlueSoleilCS 5.4.277 contains an unquoted service path vulnerability in its Windows service configuration that allows local attackers to potentially execute arbitrary code. Attackers can exploit the unquoted binary path in 'C:\Program Files\IVT Corporation\BlueSoleil\BlueSoleilCS.exe' to inject malicious executables and escalate privileges.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2022-50928"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-428"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2026-01-13T23:15:57Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "BlueSoleilCS 5.4.277 contains an unquoted service path vulnerability in its Windows service configuration that allows local attackers to potentially execute arbitrary code. Attackers can exploit the unquoted binary path in \u0027C:\\Program Files\\IVT Corporation\\BlueSoleil\\BlueSoleilCS.exe\u0027 to inject malicious executables and escalate privileges.",
"id": "GHSA-mh9q-h34j-62wg",
"modified": "2026-01-14T00:31:28Z",
"published": "2026-01-14T00:31:28Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2022-50928"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20210624054150/http://ivtcorporation.com"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/50761"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/bluetooth-application-bluesoleilcs-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-MHV4-FQQH-2P7M
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-17 03:38 – Updated: 2022-05-17 03:38Unquoted Windows search path vulnerability in Adobe Creative Cloud Desktop Application before 3.8.0.310 on Windows allows local users to gain privileges via a Trojan horse executable file in the %SYSTEMDRIVE% directory.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2016-6935"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-428"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2016-10-13T19:59:00Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Unquoted Windows search path vulnerability in Adobe Creative Cloud Desktop Application before 3.8.0.310 on Windows allows local users to gain privileges via a Trojan horse executable file in the %SYSTEMDRIVE% directory.",
"id": "GHSA-mhv4-fqqh-2p7m",
"modified": "2022-05-17T03:38:54Z",
"published": "2022-05-17T03:38:54Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2016-6935"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://helpx.adobe.com/security/products/creative-cloud/apsb16-34.html"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/93489"
}
],
"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-MPWM-CJCC-56WQ
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2026-01-16 21:30 – Updated: 2026-01-16 21:30DHCP Broadband 4.1.0.1503 contains an unquoted service path vulnerability in its service configuration that allows local attackers to execute code with elevated privileges. Attackers can exploit the unquoted path in 'C:\Program Files\DHCP Broadband 4\dhcpt.exe' to inject malicious code that will execute during service startup with LocalSystem permissions.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2021-47829"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-428"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2026-01-16T19:16:08Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "DHCP Broadband 4.1.0.1503 contains an unquoted service path vulnerability in its service configuration that allows local attackers to execute code with elevated privileges. Attackers can exploit the unquoted path in \u0027C:\\Program Files\\DHCP Broadband 4\\dhcpt.exe\u0027 to inject malicious code that will execute during service startup with LocalSystem permissions.",
"id": "GHSA-mpwm-cjcc-56wq",
"modified": "2026-01-16T21:30:36Z",
"published": "2026-01-16T21:30:36Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2021-47829"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/49850"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/dhcp-broadband-dhcptexe-unquoted-service-path"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.weird-solutions.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-MQ6J-M5V8-2RMR
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2026-01-16 00:30 – Updated: 2026-01-16 00:30Macro Expert 4.7 contains an unquoted service path vulnerability that allows local users to potentially execute arbitrary code with elevated system privileges. Attackers can exploit the improperly configured service path to inject malicious executables that will be run with LocalSystem permissions during service startup.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2021-47780"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-428"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2026-01-16T00:16:21Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Macro Expert 4.7 contains an unquoted service path vulnerability that allows local users to potentially execute arbitrary code with elevated system privileges. Attackers can exploit the improperly configured service path to inject malicious executables that will be run with LocalSystem permissions during service startup.",
"id": "GHSA-mq6j-m5v8-2rmr",
"modified": "2026-01-16T00:30:54Z",
"published": "2026-01-16T00:30:54Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2021-47780"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/50431"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/macro-expert-unquoted-service-path"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.macro-expert.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-MWQ2-V3H2-Q84R
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2024-03-12 15:32 – Updated: 2024-03-12 15:32A search path or unquoted item vulnerability in Faronics Deep Freeze Server Standard, which affects versions 8.30.020.4627 and earlier. This vulnerability affects the DFServ.exe file. An attacker with local user privileges could exploit this vulnerability to replace the legitimate DFServ.exe service executable with a malicious file of the same name and located in a directory that has a higher priority than the legitimate directory. Thus, when the service starts, it will run the malicious file instead of the legitimate executable, allowing the attacker to execute arbitrary code, gain unauthorized access to the compromised system or stop the service from running.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2024-1618"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-428"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2024-03-12T15:15:48Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "A search path or unquoted item vulnerability in Faronics Deep Freeze Server Standard, which affects versions 8.30.020.4627 and earlier. This vulnerability affects the DFServ.exe file.\u00a0An attacker with local user privileges could exploit this vulnerability to replace the legitimate DFServ.exe service executable with a malicious file of the same name and located in a directory that has a higher priority than the legitimate directory.\u00a0Thus, when the service starts, it will run the malicious file instead of the legitimate executable, allowing the attacker to execute arbitrary code, gain unauthorized access to the compromised system or stop the service from running.",
"id": "GHSA-mwq2-v3h2-q84r",
"modified": "2024-03-12T15:32:21Z",
"published": "2024-03-12T15:32:21Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2024-1618"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.incibe.es/en/incibe-cert/notices/aviso/unquoted-item-or-search-path-vulnerability-faronics-deep-freeze-server"
}
],
"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-MWW5-Q78W-FFPV
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-13 01:26 – Updated: 2026-05-28 18:30Unquoted Windows search path vulnerability in the ptservice service prior to PrivateTunnel version 3.0 (Windows) and OpenVPN Connect version 3.1 (Windows) allows local users to gain privileges via a crafted program.exe file in the %SYSTEMDRIVE% folder.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2014-5455"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-428"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2014-08-25T16:55:00Z",
"severity": "MODERATE"
},
"details": "Unquoted Windows search path vulnerability in the ptservice service prior to PrivateTunnel version 3.0 (Windows) and OpenVPN Connect version 3.1 (Windows) allows local users to gain privileges via a crafted program.exe file in the %SYSTEMDRIVE% folder.",
"id": "GHSA-mww5-q78w-ffpv",
"modified": "2026-05-28T18:30:24Z",
"published": "2022-05-13T01:26:11Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2014-5455"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://github.com/CVEProject/cvelist/pull/3909"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://github.com/CVEProject/cvelist/pull/3909/commits/ace34f1cf94602f31760d3eb7ae68e17df8f914d"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://h20566.www2.hp.com/portal/site/hpsc/public/kb/docDisplay?docId=emr_na-c05325943"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://osvdb.org/show/osvdb/109007"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/127439/OpenVPN-Private-Tunnel-Privilege-Escalation.html"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/34037"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.zeroscience.mk/en/vulnerabilities/ZSL-2014-5192.php"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:L/I:L/A:L",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-MXF4-GXW9-74F4
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-04-05 00:00 – Updated: 2022-04-13 00:00An Unquoted Service Path vulnerability exits in Vembu BDR 4.2.0.1 via a specially crafted file in the (1) hsflowd, (2) VembuBDR360Agent, or (3) VembuOffice365Agent service paths.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2021-43458"
],
"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 exits in Vembu BDR 4.2.0.1 via a specially crafted file in the (1) hsflowd, (2) VembuBDR360Agent, or (3) VembuOffice365Agent service paths.",
"id": "GHSA-mxf4-gxw9-74f4",
"modified": "2022-04-13T00:00:49Z",
"published": "2022-04-05T00:00:26Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2021-43458"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://exchange.xforce.ibmcloud.com/vulnerabilities/198151"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://github.com/M507/Miner"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/49641"
}
],
"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-MXJ5-2P9R-3838
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2026-03-16 15:30 – Updated: 2026-03-16 15:30Serviio PRO 1.8 contains an unquoted search path vulnerability in the Windows service that allows local users to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges by placing malicious executables in the system root path. Additionally, improper directory permissions with full access for the Users group allow authenticated users to replace the executable file with arbitrary binaries, enabling privilege escalation during service startup or system reboot.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2017-20218"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-428"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2026-03-16T14:17:51Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Serviio PRO 1.8 contains an unquoted search path vulnerability in the Windows service that allows local users to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges by placing malicious executables in the system root path. Additionally, improper directory permissions with full access for the Users group allow authenticated users to replace the executable file with arbitrary binaries, enabling privilege escalation during service startup or system reboot.",
"id": "GHSA-mxj5-2p9r-3838",
"modified": "2026-03-16T15:30:41Z",
"published": "2026-03-16T15:30:41Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2017-20218"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://blogs.securiteam.com/index.php/archives/3094"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://cxsecurity.com/issue/WLB-2017050019"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://exchange.xforce.ibmcloud.com/vulnerabilities/125644"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://packetstormsecurity.com/files/142384"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/41959"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/serviio-pro-local-privilege-escalation-via-unquoted-path"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.zeroscience.mk/en/vulnerabilities/ZSL-2017-5405.php"
}
],
"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.