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.
765 vulnerabilities reference this CWE, most recent first.
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"
}
]
}
GHSA-R6FF-6PWF-XVP7
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2025-12-23 21:30 – Updated: 2025-12-23 21:30Epic Games Easy Anti-Cheat 4.0 contains an unquoted service path vulnerability that allows local non-privileged users to execute arbitrary code with elevated system privileges. Attackers can exploit the service configuration by inserting malicious code in the system root path that would execute with LocalSystem privileges during application startup.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2021-47739"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-428"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2025-12-23T20:15:45Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Epic Games Easy Anti-Cheat 4.0 contains an unquoted service path vulnerability that allows local non-privileged users to execute arbitrary code with elevated system privileges. Attackers can exploit the service configuration by inserting malicious code in the system root path that would execute with LocalSystem privileges during application startup.",
"id": "GHSA-r6ff-6pwf-xvp7",
"modified": "2025-12-23T21:30:29Z",
"published": "2025-12-23T21:30:29Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2021-47739"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.easy.ac"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.epicgames.com"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/49841"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/epic-games-easy-anti-cheat-local-privilege-escalation-via-unquoted-service-path"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.zeroscience.mk/en/vulnerabilities/ZSL-2021-5652.php"
}
],
"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-R6W7-PRM6-R9GC
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2025-01-31 15:30 – Updated: 2025-01-31 15:30Local privilege escalation due to unquoted search path vulnerability. The following products are affected: Acronis Cyber Protect Cloud Agent (Windows) before build 39378.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2025-24831"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-428"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2025-01-31T13:15:28Z",
"severity": "MODERATE"
},
"details": "Local privilege escalation due to unquoted search path vulnerability. The following products are affected: Acronis Cyber Protect Cloud Agent (Windows) before build 39378.",
"id": "GHSA-r6w7-prm6-r9gc",
"modified": "2025-01-31T15:30:44Z",
"published": "2025-01-31T15:30:44Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2025-24831"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://security-advisory.acronis.com/advisories/SEC-6153"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.0/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:N",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-R6WW-7HXW-68C6
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2025-10-29 21:30 – Updated: 2025-10-30 15:32memoQ 10.1.13.ef1b2b52aae and earlier contains an unquoted service path vulnerability in the memoQ Auto Update Service (memoQauhlp101). The affected service is installed with a path containing spaces and without surrounding quotes. This misconfiguration allows local users to escalate privileges to SYSTEM by placing a malicious executable at C:\Program.exe.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2025-60320"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-428"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2025-10-29T20:15:36Z",
"severity": "MODERATE"
},
"details": "memoQ 10.1.13.ef1b2b52aae and earlier contains an unquoted service path vulnerability in the memoQ Auto Update Service (memoQauhlp101). The affected service is installed with a path containing spaces and without surrounding quotes. This misconfiguration allows local users to escalate privileges to SYSTEM by placing a malicious executable at C:\\Program.exe.",
"id": "GHSA-r6ww-7hxw-68c6",
"modified": "2025-10-30T15:32:34Z",
"published": "2025-10-29T21:30:33Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2025-60320"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://docs.memoq.com/helpcenter"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://github.com/joseraeiro/security-advisories/blob/e0b1095de8b3162fb0d9de9a688317a12fdd9be8/CVE-2025-60320.md"
}
],
"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-R7F6-RQ55-MR8P
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2023-07-03 09:30 – Updated: 2024-04-04 05:20An unquoted Windows search path vulnerability existed in the install the MOVE 4.10.x and earlier Windows install service (mvagtsce.exe). The misconfiguration allowed an unauthorized local user to insert arbitrary code into the unquoted service path to obtain privilege escalation and stop antimalware services.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2023-3438"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-428"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2023-07-03T08:15:09Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "\nAn unquoted Windows search path vulnerability existed in the install the MOVE 4.10.x and earlier Windows install service (mvagtsce.exe). \nThe misconfiguration allowed an unauthorized local user to insert arbitrary code into the unquoted service path to obtain privilege escalation and stop antimalware services.\n\n",
"id": "GHSA-r7f6-rq55-mr8p",
"modified": "2024-04-04T05:20:31Z",
"published": "2023-07-03T09:30:18Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2023-3438"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://kcm.trellix.com/corporate/index?page=content\u0026id=SB10404"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-R7W7-CVQ9-735C
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2026-06-19 15:33 – Updated: 2026-06-19 15:33Iperius Remote 1.7.0 contains an unquoted service path vulnerability that allows local users to execute arbitrary code with SYSTEM privileges by exploiting the service installation path. When installed from directories containing spaces, attackers can place malicious executables in the path to be executed with elevated privileges during service startup or system reboot.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2016-20089"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-428"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2026-06-19T15:16:32Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Iperius Remote 1.7.0 contains an unquoted service path vulnerability that allows local users to execute arbitrary code with SYSTEM privileges by exploiting the service installation path. When installed from directories containing spaces, attackers can place malicious executables in the path to be executed with elevated privileges during service startup or system reboot.",
"id": "GHSA-r7w7-cvq9-735c",
"modified": "2026-06-19T15:33:18Z",
"published": "2026-06-19T15:33:18Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2016-20089"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/40427"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.iperiusremote.com/download.aspx"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/iperius-remote-unquoted-service-path-elevation-of-privilege"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.iperiusremote.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-R935-7787-MQH4
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2023-05-10 15:30 – Updated: 2024-04-04 03:59Uncontrolled search path for the DSP Builder software installer before version 22.4 for Intel(R) FPGAs Pro Edition may allow an authenticated user to potentially enable escalation of privilege via local access.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2022-43474"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-427",
"CWE-428"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2023-05-10T14:15:23Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Uncontrolled search path for the DSP Builder software installer before version 22.4 for Intel(R) FPGAs Pro Edition may allow an authenticated user to potentially enable escalation of privilege via local access.",
"id": "GHSA-r935-7787-mqh4",
"modified": "2024-04-04T03:59:57Z",
"published": "2023-05-10T15:30:21Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2022-43474"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/security-center/advisory/intel-sa-00816.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.