Common Weakness Enumeration

CWE-428

Allowed

Unquoted Search Path or Element

Abstraction: Base · Status: Draft

API response cwe.mitre.org

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-R9FR-H7WR-9RMR

Vulnerability from github – Published: 2023-07-23 06:30 – Updated: 2023-07-23 06:30
VLAI
Details

A vulnerability was found in Pointware EasyInventory 1.0.12.0 and classified as critical. This issue affects some unknown processing of the file C:\Program Files (x86)\EasyInventory\Easy2W.exe. The manipulation leads to unquoted search path. Attacking locally is a requirement. The identifier VDB-235193 was assigned to this vulnerability. NOTE: The vendor was contacted early about this disclosure but did not respond in any way.

Severity
7.8 (High)
CVSS:3.0/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
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{
  "affected": [],
  "aliases": [
    "CVE-2023-3842"
  ],
  "database_specific": {
    "cwe_ids": [
      "CWE-428"
    ],
    "github_reviewed": false,
    "github_reviewed_at": null,
    "nvd_published_at": "2023-07-23T04:15:09Z",
    "severity": "HIGH"
  },
  "details": "A vulnerability was found in Pointware EasyInventory 1.0.12.0 and classified as critical. This issue affects some unknown processing of the file C:\\Program Files (x86)\\EasyInventory\\Easy2W.exe. The manipulation leads to unquoted search path. Attacking locally is a requirement. The identifier VDB-235193 was assigned to this vulnerability. NOTE: The vendor was contacted early about this disclosure but did not respond in any way.",
  "id": "GHSA-r9fr-h7wr-9rmr",
  "modified": "2023-07-23T06:30:32Z",
  "published": "2023-07-23T06:30:32Z",
  "references": [
    {
      "type": "ADVISORY",
      "url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2023-3842"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://vuldb.com/?ctiid.235193"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://vuldb.com/?id.235193"
    }
  ],
  "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-R9FW-CWJR-J3HP

Vulnerability from github – Published: 2025-10-29 18:30 – Updated: 2025-10-29 21:30
VLAI
Details

An unquoted service path in Kingosoft Technology Ltd Kingo ROOT v1.5.8.3353 allows attackers to escalate privileges via placing a crafted executable file into a parent folder.

Severity
7.8 (High)
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
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{
  "affected": [],
  "aliases": [
    "CVE-2025-57227"
  ],
  "database_specific": {
    "cwe_ids": [
      "CWE-428"
    ],
    "github_reviewed": false,
    "github_reviewed_at": null,
    "nvd_published_at": "2025-10-29T18:15:41Z",
    "severity": "HIGH"
  },
  "details": "An unquoted service path in Kingosoft Technology Ltd Kingo ROOT v1.5.8.3353 allows attackers to escalate privileges via placing a crafted executable file into a parent folder.",
  "id": "GHSA-r9fw-cwjr-j3hp",
  "modified": "2025-10-29T21:30:32Z",
  "published": "2025-10-29T18:30:35Z",
  "references": [
    {
      "type": "ADVISORY",
      "url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2025-57227"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/51707"
    }
  ],
  "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-R9Q3-942V-RJV9

Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-11-18 21:30 – Updated: 2022-11-29 15:30
VLAI
Details

IOBit IOTransfer V4 is vulnerable to Unquoted Service Path.

Severity
7.8 (High)
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
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{
  "affected": [],
  "aliases": [
    "CVE-2022-37197"
  ],
  "database_specific": {
    "cwe_ids": [
      "CWE-428"
    ],
    "github_reviewed": false,
    "github_reviewed_at": null,
    "nvd_published_at": "2022-11-18T21:15:00Z",
    "severity": "HIGH"
  },
  "details": "IOBit IOTransfer V4 is vulnerable to Unquoted Service Path.",
  "id": "GHSA-r9q3-942v-rjv9",
  "modified": "2022-11-29T15:30:25Z",
  "published": "2022-11-18T21:30:16Z",
  "references": [
    {
      "type": "ADVISORY",
      "url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2022-37197"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/51029"
    }
  ],
  "schema_version": "1.4.0",
  "severity": [
    {
      "score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
      "type": "CVSS_V3"
    }
  ]
}

GHSA-RCCC-HQX9-MHJH

Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-14 01:04 – Updated: 2022-05-14 01:04
VLAI
Details

Adobe Photoshop versions CC 2017 (18.0.1) and earlier, CC 2015.5.1 (17.0.1) and earlier have an unquoted search path vulnerability.

Severity
7.8 (High)
CVSS:3.0/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
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{
  "affected": [],
  "aliases": [
    "CVE-2017-3005"
  ],
  "database_specific": {
    "cwe_ids": [
      "CWE-428"
    ],
    "github_reviewed": false,
    "github_reviewed_at": null,
    "nvd_published_at": "2017-04-12T14:59:00Z",
    "severity": "HIGH"
  },
  "details": "Adobe Photoshop versions CC 2017 (18.0.1) and earlier, CC 2015.5.1 (17.0.1) and earlier have an unquoted search path vulnerability.",
  "id": "GHSA-rccc-hqx9-mhjh",
  "modified": "2022-05-14T01:04:30Z",
  "published": "2022-05-14T01:04:30Z",
  "references": [
    {
      "type": "ADVISORY",
      "url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2017-3005"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://helpx.adobe.com/security/products/photoshop/apsb17-12.html"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/97553"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "http://www.securitytracker.com/id/1038229"
    }
  ],
  "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-RFR5-5979-4CW2

Vulnerability from github – Published: 2026-01-14 00:31 – Updated: 2026-01-14 00:31
VLAI
Details

Clevo HotKey Clipboard 2.1.0.6 contains an unquoted service path vulnerability in the HKClipSvc service that allows local non-privileged users to potentially execute code with system privileges. Attackers can exploit the misconfigured service path to inject and execute arbitrary code by placing malicious executables in specific file system locations.

Severity
8.4 (High)
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
8.5 (High)
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
Show details on source website
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{
  "affected": [],
  "aliases": [
    "CVE-2023-53984"
  ],
  "database_specific": {
    "cwe_ids": [
      "CWE-428"
    ],
    "github_reviewed": false,
    "github_reviewed_at": null,
    "nvd_published_at": "2026-01-13T23:15:59Z",
    "severity": "HIGH"
  },
  "details": "Clevo HotKey Clipboard 2.1.0.6 contains an unquoted service path vulnerability in the HKClipSvc service that allows local non-privileged users to potentially execute code with system privileges. Attackers can exploit the misconfigured service path to inject and execute arbitrary code by placing malicious executables in specific file system locations.",
  "id": "GHSA-rfr5-5979-4cw2",
  "modified": "2026-01-14T00:31:28Z",
  "published": "2026-01-14T00:31:28Z",
  "references": [
    {
      "type": "ADVISORY",
      "url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2023-53984"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20200713203236/https://www.clevo.com.tw/index-en.asp"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/51206"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/hotkey-clipboard-privilege-escalation-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-RGRM-944M-JF92

Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-24 19:08 – Updated: 2022-05-24 19:08
VLAI
Details

Unisys Stealth 5.1 before 5.1.025.0 and 6.0 before 6.0.055.0 has an unquoted Windows search path for a scheduled task. An unintended executable might run.

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{
  "affected": [],
  "aliases": [
    "CVE-2021-35056"
  ],
  "database_specific": {
    "cwe_ids": [
      "CWE-428"
    ],
    "github_reviewed": false,
    "github_reviewed_at": null,
    "nvd_published_at": "2021-07-15T19:15:00Z",
    "severity": "MODERATE"
  },
  "details": "Unisys Stealth 5.1 before 5.1.025.0 and 6.0 before 6.0.055.0 has an unquoted Windows search path for a scheduled task. An unintended executable might run.",
  "id": "GHSA-rgrm-944m-jf92",
  "modified": "2022-05-24T19:08:08Z",
  "published": "2022-05-24T19:08:08Z",
  "references": [
    {
      "type": "ADVISORY",
      "url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2021-35056"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://public.support.unisys.com/common/public/vulnerability/NVD_Detail_Rpt.aspx?ID=64"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://public.support.unisys.com/common/public/vulnerability/NVD_Home.aspx"
    }
  ],
  "schema_version": "1.4.0",
  "severity": []
}

GHSA-RHMF-4WXG-QFJV

Vulnerability from github – Published: 2026-02-05 00:31 – Updated: 2026-02-05 00:31
VLAI
Details

NETGATE Data Backup 3.0.620 contains an unquoted service path vulnerability in its NGDatBckpSrv Windows service configuration. Attackers can exploit the unquoted path to inject and execute malicious code with LocalSystem privileges by placing executable files in specific directory locations.

Severity
7.8 (High)
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
8.5 (High)
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
Show details on source website
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{
  "affected": [],
  "aliases": [
    "CVE-2019-25271"
  ],
  "database_specific": {
    "cwe_ids": [
      "CWE-428"
    ],
    "github_reviewed": false,
    "github_reviewed_at": null,
    "nvd_published_at": "2026-02-05T00:15:51Z",
    "severity": "HIGH"
  },
  "details": "NETGATE Data Backup 3.0.620 contains an unquoted service path vulnerability in its NGDatBckpSrv Windows service configuration. Attackers can exploit the unquoted path to inject and execute malicious code with LocalSystem privileges by placing executable files in specific directory locations.",
  "id": "GHSA-rhmf-4wxg-qfjv",
  "modified": "2026-02-05T00:31:01Z",
  "published": "2026-02-05T00:31:01Z",
  "references": [
    {
      "type": "ADVISORY",
      "url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2019-25271"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/47746"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/netgate-data-backup-ngdatbckpsrv-unquoted-service-path"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "http://www.netgate.sk"
    }
  ],
  "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-RJ4C-4HGR-W984

Vulnerability from github – Published: 2026-01-27 21:31 – Updated: 2026-01-27 21:31
VLAI
Details

EPSON Status Monitor 3 version 8.0 contains an unquoted service path vulnerability that allows local attackers to potentially execute arbitrary code by exploiting the service binary path. Attackers can leverage the unquoted path in 'C:\Program Files\Common Files\EPSON\EPW!3SSRP\E_S60RPB.EXE' to inject malicious executables and escalate privileges.

Severity
7.8 (High)
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
8.5 (High)
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
Show details on source website
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{
  "affected": [],
  "aliases": [
    "CVE-2020-36975"
  ],
  "database_specific": {
    "cwe_ids": [
      "CWE-428"
    ],
    "github_reviewed": false,
    "github_reviewed_at": null,
    "nvd_published_at": "2026-01-27T19:16:10Z",
    "severity": "HIGH"
  },
  "details": "EPSON Status Monitor 3 version 8.0 contains an unquoted service path vulnerability that allows local attackers to potentially execute arbitrary code by exploiting the service binary path. Attackers can leverage the unquoted path in \u0027C:\\Program Files\\Common Files\\EPSON\\EPW!3SSRP\\E_S60RPB.EXE\u0027 to inject malicious executables and escalate privileges.",
  "id": "GHSA-rj4c-4hgr-w984",
  "modified": "2026-01-27T21:31:47Z",
  "published": "2026-01-27T21:31:47Z",
  "references": [
    {
      "type": "ADVISORY",
      "url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2020-36975"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://epson.com"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/49141"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/epson-status-monitor-epsonpmrpcv-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-RJMH-3X6M-HGVQ

Vulnerability from github – Published: 2026-04-04 15:30 – Updated: 2026-04-04 15:30
VLAI
Details

IObit Malware Fighter 4.3.1 contains an unquoted service path vulnerability in the IMFservice and LiveUpdateSvc services that allows local attackers to escalate privileges. Attackers can insert a malicious executable file in the unquoted service path and trigger privilege escalation when the service restarts or the system reboots, executing code with LocalSystem privileges.

Severity
7.8 (High)
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
8.5 (High)
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
Show details on source website
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{
  "affected": [],
  "aliases": [
    "CVE-2016-20059"
  ],
  "database_specific": {
    "cwe_ids": [
      "CWE-428"
    ],
    "github_reviewed": false,
    "github_reviewed_at": null,
    "nvd_published_at": "2026-04-04T14:16:18Z",
    "severity": "HIGH"
  },
  "details": "IObit Malware Fighter 4.3.1 contains an unquoted service path vulnerability in the IMFservice and LiveUpdateSvc services that allows local attackers to escalate privileges. Attackers can insert a malicious executable file in the unquoted service path and trigger privilege escalation when the service restarts or the system reboots, executing code with LocalSystem privileges.",
  "id": "GHSA-rjmh-3x6m-hgvq",
  "modified": "2026-04-04T15:30:20Z",
  "published": "2026-04-04T15:30:20Z",
  "references": [
    {
      "type": "ADVISORY",
      "url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2016-20059"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/40525"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/iobit-malware-fighter-unquoted-service-path-privilege-escalation"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "http://www.iobit.com/downloadcenter.php?product=malware-fighter-free"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "http://www.iobit.com/en/index.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"
    }
  ]
}

GHSA-RM4W-JVCX-XPM9

Vulnerability from github – Published: 2026-01-21 18:30 – Updated: 2026-01-21 18:30
VLAI
Details

eBeam Education Suite 2.5.0.9 contains an unquoted service path vulnerability in the eBeam Device Service that allows local users to potentially execute code with elevated privileges. Attackers can exploit the unquoted path in the service configuration to inject malicious code that would execute with LocalSystem privileges during service startup.

Severity
7.8 (High)
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
8.5 (High)
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
Show details on source website
To clipboard 

{
  "affected": [],
  "aliases": [
    "CVE-2021-47878"
  ],
  "database_specific": {
    "cwe_ids": [
      "CWE-428"
    ],
    "github_reviewed": false,
    "github_reviewed_at": null,
    "nvd_published_at": "2026-01-21T18:16:21Z",
    "severity": "HIGH"
  },
  "details": "eBeam Education Suite 2.5.0.9 contains an unquoted service path vulnerability in the eBeam Device Service that allows local users to potentially execute code with elevated privileges. Attackers can exploit the unquoted path in the service configuration to inject malicious code that would execute with LocalSystem privileges during service startup.",
  "id": "GHSA-rm4w-jvcx-xpm9",
  "modified": "2026-01-21T18:30:31Z",
  "published": "2026-01-21T18:30:31Z",
  "references": [
    {
      "type": "ADVISORY",
      "url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2021-47878"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/49647"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/ebeam-education-suite-ebeam-device-service-unquoted-service-path"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "http://esvc000385.wic045u.server-web.com/Downloads/eBeam"
    }
  ],
  "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
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.

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