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.
761 vulnerabilities reference this CWE, most recent first.
GHSA-QVMP-V99V-RG3M
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-14 03:01 – Updated: 2022-05-14 03:01Unquoted service paths in Intel Quartus II in versions 11.0 - 15.0 allow a local attacker to potentially execute arbitrary code.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2018-3684"
],
"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 II in versions 11.0 - 15.0 allow a local attacker to potentially execute arbitrary code.",
"id": "GHSA-qvmp-v99v-rg3m",
"modified": "2022-05-14T03:01:00Z",
"published": "2022-05-14T03:01:00Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2018-3684"
},
{
"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-QVV7-67V2-7P46
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2026-02-06 18:30 – Updated: 2026-02-06 18:30Acer Launch Manager 6.1.7600.16385 contains an unquoted service path vulnerability in the DsiWMIService that allows local users to potentially execute code with elevated privileges. Attackers can exploit the unquoted path in C:\Program Files (x86)\Launch Manager\dsiwmis.exe to insert malicious code that would execute with system-level permissions during service startup.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2019-25302"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-428"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2026-02-06T17:16:11Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Acer Launch Manager 6.1.7600.16385 contains an unquoted service path vulnerability in the DsiWMIService that allows local users to potentially execute code with elevated privileges. Attackers can exploit the unquoted path in C:\\Program Files (x86)\\Launch Manager\\dsiwmis.exe to insert malicious code that would execute with system-level permissions during service startup.",
"id": "GHSA-qvv7-67v2-7p46",
"modified": "2026-02-06T18:30:31Z",
"published": "2026-02-06T18:30:31Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2019-25302"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.acer.com"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/47577"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/acer-launch-manager-dsiwmiservice-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-QW6R-4362-R84P
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2026-01-16 21:30 – Updated: 2026-01-16 21:30BOOTP Turbo 2.0.0.1253 contains an unquoted service path vulnerability in its Windows service configuration. Attackers can exploit the unquoted path to execute arbitrary code with elevated LocalSystem privileges during system startup or reboot.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2021-47828"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-428"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2026-01-16T19:16:07Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "BOOTP Turbo 2.0.0.1253 contains an unquoted service path vulnerability in its Windows service configuration. Attackers can exploit the unquoted path to execute arbitrary code with elevated LocalSystem privileges during system startup or reboot.",
"id": "GHSA-qw6r-4362-r84p",
"modified": "2026-01-16T21:30:36Z",
"published": "2026-01-16T21:30:36Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2021-47828"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/49851"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/bootp-turbo-bootptexe-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-QX3J-PH5M-VRV9
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2026-01-30 18:31 – Updated: 2026-01-30 18:31Atomic Alarm Clock 6.3 contains a local privilege escalation vulnerability in its service configuration that allows attackers to execute arbitrary code with SYSTEM privileges. Attackers can exploit the unquoted service path by placing a malicious executable named 'Program.exe' to gain persistent system-level access.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2020-37060"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-428"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2026-01-30T17:16:12Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Atomic Alarm Clock 6.3 contains a local privilege escalation vulnerability in its service configuration that allows attackers to execute arbitrary code with SYSTEM privileges. Attackers can exploit the unquoted service path by placing a malicious executable named \u0027Program.exe\u0027 to gain persistent system-level access.",
"id": "GHSA-qx3j-ph5m-vrv9",
"modified": "2026-01-30T18:31:15Z",
"published": "2026-01-30T18:31:15Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2020-37060"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/48352"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/atomic-alarm-clock-x-atomicalarmclock-unquoted-service-path"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.drive-software.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-QXPM-R994-XP2C
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-04-12 00:00 – Updated: 2022-04-16 00:01Ivanti DSM Remote <= 6.3.1.1862 is vulnerable to an unquoted service path allowing local users to launch processes with elevated privileges.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2022-27088"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-428"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2022-04-11T14:15:00Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Ivanti DSM Remote \u003c= 6.3.1.1862 is vulnerable to an unquoted service path allowing local users to launch processes with elevated privileges.",
"id": "GHSA-qxpm-r994-xp2c",
"modified": "2022-04-16T00:01:12Z",
"published": "2022-04-12T00:00:37Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2022-27088"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://hansesecure.de/2022/03/schwachstelle-in-dsm-remote"
}
],
"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-R2CQ-49CH-RF67
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2026-06-19 15:33 – Updated: 2026-06-19 15:33Chromacam 4.0.3.0 contains an unquoted service path vulnerability in the PsyFrameGrabberService that allows local attackers to execute arbitrary code by placing malicious executables in unquoted path directories. Attackers with write access to C:\ or subdirectories like C:\Program Files (x86)\Personify\ can place a malicious Program.exe or PsyFrameGrabberService.exe file that executes with LocalSystem privileges when the service starts automatically at boot.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2023-54353"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-428"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2026-06-19T15:16:34Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Chromacam 4.0.3.0 contains an unquoted service path vulnerability in the PsyFrameGrabberService that allows local attackers to execute arbitrary code by placing malicious executables in unquoted path directories. Attackers with write access to C:\\ or subdirectories like C:\\Program Files (x86)\\Personify\\ can place a malicious Program.exe or PsyFrameGrabberService.exe file that executes with LocalSystem privileges when the service starts automatically at boot.",
"id": "GHSA-r2cq-49ch-rf67",
"modified": "2026-06-19T15:33:19Z",
"published": "2026-06-19T15:33:19Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2023-54353"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://personifyinc.com"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://personifyinc.com/download/chromacam"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/51210"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/chromacam-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-R3V6-QX45-R3J8
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-24 17:21 – Updated: 2022-05-24 17:21Viber for Windows up to 13.2.0.39 does not properly quote its custom URI handler. A malicious website could launch Viber with arbitrary parameters, forcing a victim to send an NTLM authentication request, and either relay the request or capture the hash for offline password cracking. NOTE: this issue exists because of an incomplete fix for CVE-2019-12569.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2020-14049"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-428"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2020-06-22T18:15:00Z",
"severity": "MODERATE"
},
"details": "Viber for Windows up to 13.2.0.39 does not properly quote its custom URI handler. A malicious website could launch Viber with arbitrary parameters, forcing a victim to send an NTLM authentication request, and either relay the request or capture the hash for offline password cracking. NOTE: this issue exists because of an incomplete fix for CVE-2019-12569.",
"id": "GHSA-r3v6-qx45-r3j8",
"modified": "2022-05-24T17:21:24Z",
"published": "2022-05-24T17:21:24Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2020-14049"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://jeffs.sh/CVEs/CVE-2020-14049.txt"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.viber.com/en/security"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": []
}
GHSA-R472-VXPH-WQRF
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2026-05-16 18:31 – Updated: 2026-05-16 18:31Privacy Drive 3.17.0 contains an unquoted service path vulnerability in the pdsvc.exe service binary that allows local attackers to escalate privileges by exploiting the service startup process. Attackers can place malicious executables in the unquoted path directories to execute arbitrary code with LocalSystem privileges during service startup or system reboot.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2020-37231"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-428"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2026-05-16T16:16:19Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Privacy Drive 3.17.0 contains an unquoted service path vulnerability in the pdsvc.exe service binary that allows local attackers to escalate privileges by exploiting the service startup process. Attackers can place malicious executables in the unquoted path directories to execute arbitrary code with LocalSystem privileges during service startup or system reboot.",
"id": "GHSA-r472-vxph-wqrf",
"modified": "2026-05-16T18:31:36Z",
"published": "2026-05-16T18:31:36Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2020-37231"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.cybertronsoft.com"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.cybertronsoft.com/download/privacy-drive-setup.exe"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/49023"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/privacy-drive-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-R477-J3QM-PJX3
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2026-01-30 18:31 – Updated: 2026-01-30 18:31Popcorn Time 6.2.1.14 contains an unquoted service path vulnerability that allows local non-privileged users to potentially execute code with elevated system privileges. Attackers can insert malicious executables in Program Files (x86) or system root directories to be executed with SYSTEM-level permissions during service startup.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2020-37059"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-428"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2026-01-30T17:16:12Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Popcorn Time 6.2.1.14 contains an unquoted service path vulnerability that allows local non-privileged users to potentially execute code with elevated system privileges. Attackers can insert malicious executables in Program Files (x86) or system root directories to be executed with SYSTEM-level permissions during service startup.",
"id": "GHSA-r477-j3qm-pjx3",
"modified": "2026-01-30T18:31:15Z",
"published": "2026-01-30T18:31:15Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2020-37059"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://getpopcorntime.is"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/48378"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/popcorn-time-update-service-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-R4CH-3QW4-35Q9
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2023-11-14 21:31 – Updated: 2024-05-16 21:31Unquoted search path or element in some Intel(R) Arc(TM) & Iris(R) Xe Graphics - WHQL - Windows drivers before version 31.0.101.4255 may allow an authenticated user to potentially enable escalation of privilege via local access.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2023-29165"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-428"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2023-11-14T19:15:24Z",
"severity": "MODERATE"
},
"details": "Unquoted search path or element in some Intel(R) Arc(TM) \u0026 Iris(R) Xe Graphics - WHQL - Windows drivers before version 31.0.101.4255 may allow an authenticated user to potentially enable escalation of privilege via local access.",
"id": "GHSA-r4ch-3qw4-35q9",
"modified": "2024-05-16T21:31:55Z",
"published": "2023-11-14T21:31:01Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2023-29165"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/security-center/advisory/intel-sa-00864.html"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/security-center/advisory/intel-sa-01020.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"
}
]
}
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.