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-X953-H4JC-JFVQ
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-01-12 00:01 – Updated: 2022-01-19 00:01A vulnerability has been identified in SICAM PQ Analyzer (All versions < V3.18). A service is started by an unquoted registry entry. As there are spaces in this path, attackers with write privilege to those directories might be able to plant executables that will run in place of the legitimate process. Attackers might achieve persistence on the system ("backdoors") or cause a denial of service.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2021-45460"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-428"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2022-01-11T12:15:00Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "A vulnerability has been identified in SICAM PQ Analyzer (All versions \u003c V3.18). A service is started by an unquoted registry entry. As there are spaces in this path, attackers with write privilege to those directories might be able to plant executables that will run in place of the legitimate process. Attackers might achieve persistence on the system (\"backdoors\") or cause a denial of service.",
"id": "GHSA-x953-h4jc-jfvq",
"modified": "2022-01-19T00:01:50Z",
"published": "2022-01-12T00:01:22Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2021-45460"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://cert-portal.siemens.com/productcert/pdf/ssa-173318.pdf"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": []
}
GHSA-X9R8-77RV-89RP
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2025-08-25 09:32 – Updated: 2025-08-25 09:32An Unquoted Search Path vulnerability has been identified in the utility for Moxa’s industrial computers (Windows). Due to the unquoted path configuration in the SerialInterfaceService.exe utility, a local attacker with limited privileges could place a malicious executable in a higher-priority directory within the search path. When the Serial Interface service starts, the malicious executable could be run with SYSTEM privileges. Successful exploitation could allow privilege escalation or enable an attacker to maintain persistence on the affected system. While successful exploitation can severely impact the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected device itself, there is no loss of confidentiality, integrity, or availability within any subsequent systems.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2025-5191"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-428"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2025-08-25T08:15:30Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "An Unquoted Search Path vulnerability has been identified in the utility for Moxa\u2019s industrial computers (Windows). Due to the unquoted path configuration in the SerialInterfaceService.exe utility, a local attacker with limited privileges could place a malicious executable in a higher-priority directory within the search path. When the Serial Interface service starts, the malicious executable could be run with SYSTEM privileges. Successful exploitation could allow privilege escalation or enable an attacker to maintain persistence on the affected system. While successful exploitation can severely impact the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected device itself, there is no loss of confidentiality, integrity, or availability within any subsequent systems.",
"id": "GHSA-x9r8-77rv-89rp",
"modified": "2025-08-25T09:32:02Z",
"published": "2025-08-25T09:32:02Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2025-5191"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.moxa.com/en/support/product-support/security-advisory/mpsa-256421-cve-2025-5191-unquoted-search-path-vulnerability-in-the-utility-for-industrial-computers-(windows)"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:4.0/AV:L/AC:L/AT:P/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-XFP6-9WPP-48PX
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2026-01-29 15:30 – Updated: 2026-01-29 15:30SonarQube 8.3.1 contains an unquoted service path vulnerability that allows local attackers to gain SYSTEM privileges by exploiting the service executable path. Attackers can replace the wrapper.exe in the service path with a malicious executable to execute code with highest system privileges during service restart.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2020-37020"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-428"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2026-01-29T15:16:09Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "SonarQube 8.3.1 contains an unquoted service path vulnerability that allows local attackers to gain SYSTEM privileges by exploiting the service executable path. Attackers can replace the wrapper.exe in the service path with a malicious executable to execute code with highest system privileges during service restart.",
"id": "GHSA-xfp6-9wpp-48px",
"modified": "2026-01-29T15:30:28Z",
"published": "2026-01-29T15:30:28Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2020-37020"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/48677"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.sonarqube.org"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/sonarqube-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-XFVQ-G9GJ-P73C
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2026-01-27 21:31 – Updated: 2026-01-27 21:31Quick 'n Easy FTP Service 3.2 contains an unquoted service path vulnerability that allows local attackers to execute arbitrary code during service startup. Attackers can exploit the misconfigured service binary path to inject malicious executables with elevated LocalSystem privileges during system boot or service restart.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2020-36983"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-428"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2026-01-27T19:16:11Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Quick \u0027n Easy FTP Service 3.2 contains an unquoted service path vulnerability that allows local attackers to execute arbitrary code during service startup. Attackers can exploit the misconfigured service binary path to inject malicious executables with elevated LocalSystem privileges during system boot or service restart.",
"id": "GHSA-xfvq-g9gj-p73c",
"modified": "2026-01-27T21:31:48Z",
"published": "2026-01-27T21:31:47Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2020-36983"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/48983"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.pablosoftwaresolutions.com/download.php?id=10"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.pablosoftwaresolutions.com/html/quick__n_easy_ftp_service.html"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/quick-n-easy-ftp-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-XG45-V5RP-R5M2
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2023-11-08 21:30 – Updated: 2023-11-16 18:30The LDAP Agent Update service with versions prior to 5.18 used an unquoted path, which could allow arbitrary code execution.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2023-0392"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-428"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2023-11-08T21:15:08Z",
"severity": "MODERATE"
},
"details": "The LDAP Agent Update service with versions prior to 5.18 used an unquoted path, which could allow arbitrary code execution.",
"id": "GHSA-xg45-v5rp-r5m2",
"modified": "2023-11-16T18:30:25Z",
"published": "2023-11-08T21:30:37Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2023-0392"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://trust.okta.com/security-advisories/okta-ldap-agent-cve-2023-0392"
}
],
"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-XGFF-3PMH-2J23
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-04-02 00:00 – Updated: 2022-04-09 00:00Xmanager v7.0.0096 and below contains a binary hijack vulnerability which allows attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted .exe file.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2022-27964"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-428"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2022-03-31T23:15:00Z",
"severity": "MODERATE"
},
"details": "Xmanager v7.0.0096 and below contains a binary hijack vulnerability which allows attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted .exe file.",
"id": "GHSA-xgff-3pmh-2j23",
"modified": "2022-04-09T00:00:50Z",
"published": "2022-04-02T00:00:17Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2022-27964"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://github.com/ycdxsb/Vuln/blob/main/NetSarang-CreateProcessW-Misuse-Binary-Hijack/Xmanager-CreateProcessW-Misuse-Binary-Hijack"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.netsarang.com/en/xmanager-update-history"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:H/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-XGQ4-GWMR-JVCM
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2026-01-14 00:31 – Updated: 2026-01-14 00:31Tftpd32 SE 4.60 contains an unquoted service path vulnerability that allows local attackers to potentially execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges. Attackers can exploit the unquoted path in the service configuration to inject malicious executables that will be run with system-level permissions.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2023-54338"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-428"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2026-01-13T23:16:01Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Tftpd32 SE 4.60 contains an unquoted service path vulnerability that allows local attackers to potentially execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges. Attackers can exploit the unquoted path in the service configuration to inject malicious executables that will be run with system-level permissions.",
"id": "GHSA-xgq4-gwmr-jvcm",
"modified": "2026-01-14T00:31:29Z",
"published": "2026-01-14T00:31:29Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2023-54338"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://pjo2.github.io/tftpd64"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/51076"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/tftpdse-tftpdsvc-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-XM42-XFGP-MH86
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2026-01-14 00:31 – Updated: 2026-01-14 00:31Wondershare MobileTrans 3.5.9 contains an unquoted service path vulnerability in the ElevationService that allows local users to potentially execute code with elevated system privileges. Attackers can exploit the unquoted path by placing malicious executables in specific filesystem locations that will be executed with LocalSystem permissions during service startup.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2022-50903"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-428"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2026-01-13T23:15:52Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Wondershare MobileTrans 3.5.9 contains an unquoted service path vulnerability in the ElevationService that allows local users to potentially execute code with elevated system privileges. Attackers can exploit the unquoted path by placing malicious executables in specific filesystem locations that will be executed with LocalSystem permissions during service startup.",
"id": "GHSA-xm42-xfgp-mh86",
"modified": "2026-01-14T00:31:27Z",
"published": "2026-01-14T00:31:27Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2022-50903"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/50756"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/wondershare-mobiletrans-elevationservice-unquoted-service-path"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.wondershare.com"
}
],
"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-XQGW-R8H6-587W
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-08-17 00:00 – Updated: 2022-08-24 00:00An unquoted search path vulnerability exists in 'JustSystems JUST Online Update for J-License' bundled with multiple products for corporate users as in Ichitaro through Pro5 and others. Since the affected product starts another program with an unquoted file path, a malicious file may be executed with the privilege of the Windows service if it is placed in a certain path. Affected products are bundled with the following product series: Office and Office Integrated Software, ATOK, Hanako, JUST PDF, Shuriken, Homepage Builder, JUST School, JUST Smile Class, JUST Smile, JUST Frontier, JUST Jump, and Tri-De DetaProtect.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2022-36344"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-428"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2022-08-16T08:15:00Z",
"severity": "CRITICAL"
},
"details": "An unquoted search path vulnerability exists in \u0027JustSystems JUST Online Update for J-License\u0027 bundled with multiple products for corporate users as in Ichitaro through Pro5 and others. Since the affected product starts another program with an unquoted file path, a malicious file may be executed with the privilege of the Windows service if it is placed in a certain path. Affected products are bundled with the following product series: Office and Office Integrated Software, ATOK, Hanako, JUST PDF, Shuriken, Homepage Builder, JUST School, JUST Smile Class, JUST Smile, JUST Frontier, JUST Jump, and Tri-De DetaProtect.",
"id": "GHSA-xqgw-r8h6-587w",
"modified": "2022-08-24T00:00:31Z",
"published": "2022-08-17T00:00:33Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2022-36344"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://jvn.jp/en/jp/JVN57073973/index.html"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.justsystems.com/jp/corporate/info/js22001.html"
}
],
"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-XRRP-V29C-5F2G
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2026-01-28 15:31 – Updated: 2026-01-28 15:31Nord VPN 6.31.13.0 contains an unquoted service path vulnerability in its nordvpn-service that allows local attackers to execute code with elevated privileges. Attackers can exploit the unquoted binary path during system startup or reboot to potentially run malicious code with LocalSystem permissions.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2020-36992"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-428"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2026-01-28T13:15:52Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Nord VPN 6.31.13.0 contains an unquoted service path vulnerability in its nordvpn-service that allows local attackers to execute code with elevated privileges. Attackers can exploit the unquoted binary path during system startup or reboot to potentially run malicious code with LocalSystem permissions.",
"id": "GHSA-xrrp-v29c-5f2g",
"modified": "2026-01-28T15:31:30Z",
"published": "2026-01-28T15:31:30Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2020-36992"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://nordvpn.com"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/48790"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/nord-vpn-nordvpn-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"
}
]
}
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.