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-HJQC-MPHX-J8HV
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2023-04-27 12:30 – Updated: 2024-04-04 03:42Unquoted Search Path or Element vulnerability in 42Gears Surelock Windows SureLock Service (NixService.Exe) on Windows allows Privilege Escalation, Local Execution of Code.This issue affects Surelock Windows : 2.40.0.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2023-2331"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-428"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2023-04-27T12:15:09Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Unquoted Search Path or Element vulnerability in 42Gears Surelock Windows SureLock Service (NixService.Exe) on Windows allows Privilege Escalation, Local Execution of Code.This issue affects Surelock Windows : 2.40.0.\n\n",
"id": "GHSA-hjqc-mphx-j8hv",
"modified": "2024-04-04T03:42:44Z",
"published": "2023-04-27T12:30:22Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2023-2331"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.42gears.com/security-and-compliance"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.42gears.com/security-and-compliance/42g-2023-001"
}
],
"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-HMM4-6W92-WRJW
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2026-01-16 21:30 – Updated: 2026-01-16 21:30DiskBoss Service 12.2.18 contains an unquoted service path vulnerability in its binary path configuration that allows local attackers to execute code with elevated privileges. Attackers can exploit the unquoted path by placing malicious executables in potential path locations to gain system-level access during service startup.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2021-47822"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-428"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2026-01-16T19:16:06Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "DiskBoss Service 12.2.18 contains an unquoted service path vulnerability in its binary path configuration that allows local attackers to execute code with elevated privileges. Attackers can exploit the unquoted path by placing malicious executables in potential path locations to gain system-level access during service startup.",
"id": "GHSA-hmm4-6w92-wrjw",
"modified": "2026-01-16T21:30:36Z",
"published": "2026-01-16T21:30:36Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2021-47822"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.diskboss.com"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/49899"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/diskboss-service-diskbsaexe-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-HPGQ-658J-P24M
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2026-01-14 00:31 – Updated: 2026-01-14 00:31Cobian Backup 0.9 contains an unquoted service path vulnerability that allows local users to execute arbitrary code with elevated system privileges. Attackers can exploit the unquoted binary path in the CobianReflectorService to inject malicious code that will execute with LocalSystem permissions during service startup.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2022-50923"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-428"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2026-01-13T23:15:56Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Cobian Backup 0.9 contains an unquoted service path vulnerability that allows local users to execute arbitrary code with elevated system privileges. Attackers can exploit the unquoted binary path in the CobianReflectorService to inject malicious code that will execute with LocalSystem permissions during service startup.",
"id": "GHSA-hpgq-658j-p24m",
"modified": "2026-01-14T00:31:28Z",
"published": "2026-01-14T00:31:28Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2022-50923"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.cobiansoft.com"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.cobiansoft.com/download.php"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/50810"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/cobian-backup-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-HQM7-VFW5-95RQ
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-24 17:38 – Updated: 2022-05-24 17:38SonicWall NetExtender Windows client vulnerable to unquoted service path vulnerability, this allows a local attacker to gain elevated privileges in the host operating system. This vulnerability impact SonicWall NetExtender Windows client version 10.2.300 and earlier.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2020-5147"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-428"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2021-01-09T01:15:00Z",
"severity": "MODERATE"
},
"details": "SonicWall NetExtender Windows client vulnerable to unquoted service path vulnerability, this allows a local attacker to gain elevated privileges in the host operating system. This vulnerability impact SonicWall NetExtender Windows client version 10.2.300 and earlier.",
"id": "GHSA-hqm7-vfw5-95rq",
"modified": "2022-05-24T17:38:27Z",
"published": "2022-05-24T17:38:27Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2020-5147"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://psirt.global.sonicwall.com/vuln-detail/SNWLID-2020-0023"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/163857/SonicWall-NetExtender-10.2.0.300-Unquoted-Service-Path.html"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": []
}
GHSA-J253-Q87V-J6H6
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-04-30 00:02 – Updated: 2022-04-30 00:02In Philips' IntelliSpace Cardiovascular (ISCV) products (ISCV Version 3.1 or prior and Xcelera Version 4.1 or prior), an unquoted search path or element vulnerability has been identified, which may allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code and escalate their level of privileges.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2018-14789"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-428"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2018-08-22T18:29:00Z",
"severity": "MODERATE"
},
"details": "In Philips\u0027 IntelliSpace Cardiovascular (ISCV) products (ISCV Version 3.1 or prior and Xcelera Version 4.1 or prior), an unquoted search path or element vulnerability has been identified, which may allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code and escalate their level of privileges.",
"id": "GHSA-j253-q87v-j6h6",
"modified": "2022-04-30T00:02:18Z",
"published": "2022-04-30T00:02:18Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2018-14789"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://ics-cert.us-cert.gov/advisories/ICSMA-18-226-01"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.usa.philips.com/healthcare/about/customer-support/product-security"
}
],
"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-J2P3-XQP8-68V8
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2026-01-26 18:31 – Updated: 2026-01-26 18:31IDT PC Audio 1.0.6499.0 contains an unquoted service path vulnerability that allows local users to potentially execute arbitrary code with elevated system privileges. Attackers can exploit the unquoted path in the STacSV service to inject malicious code that would execute with LocalSystem account permissions during service startup.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2020-36959"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-428"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2026-01-26T18:16:26Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "IDT PC Audio 1.0.6499.0 contains an unquoted service path vulnerability that allows local users to potentially execute arbitrary code with elevated system privileges. Attackers can exploit the unquoted path in the STacSV service to inject malicious code that would execute with LocalSystem account permissions during service startup.",
"id": "GHSA-j2p3-xqp8-68v8",
"modified": "2026-01-26T18:31:30Z",
"published": "2026-01-26T18:31:30Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2020-36959"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/49191"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.pconlife.com/download/otherfile/20566/90674cffc8658c4f2bf58d43bb9b7ccb"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/idt-pc-audio-stacsv-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-J33C-X6MP-P53C
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-24 19:21 – Updated: 2022-05-24 19:21Unquoted search path in the installer for the Intel(R) NUC M15 Laptop Kit Keyboard LED Service driver pack before version 1.0.0.4 may allow an authenticated user to potentially enable escalation of privilege via local access.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2021-33095"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-428"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2021-11-17T19:15:00Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Unquoted search path in the installer for the Intel(R) NUC M15 Laptop Kit Keyboard LED Service driver pack before version 1.0.0.4 may allow an authenticated user to potentially enable escalation of privilege via local access.",
"id": "GHSA-j33c-x6mp-p53c",
"modified": "2022-05-24T19:21:01Z",
"published": "2022-05-24T19:21:01Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2021-33095"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/security-center/advisory/intel-sa-00569.html"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": []
}
GHSA-J3QP-CJ94-PMJ3
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2026-04-04 15:30 – Updated: 2026-04-04 15:30Hotspot Shield 6.0.3 contains an unquoted service path vulnerability in the hshld service binary that allows local attackers to escalate privileges by injecting malicious executables. Attackers can place executable files in the service path and upon service restart or system reboot, the malicious code executes with LocalSystem privileges.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2016-20060"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-428"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2026-04-04T14:16:18Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Hotspot Shield 6.0.3 contains an unquoted service path vulnerability in the hshld service binary that allows local attackers to escalate privileges by injecting malicious executables. Attackers can place executable files in the service path and upon service restart or system reboot, the malicious code executes with LocalSystem privileges.",
"id": "GHSA-j3qp-cj94-pmj3",
"modified": "2026-04-04T15:30:20Z",
"published": "2026-04-04T15:30:20Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2016-20060"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/40528"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.hotspotshield.com"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.hotspotshield.com/download"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/hotspot-shield-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-J4C2-8CMH-CCG2
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2026-04-04 15:30 – Updated: 2026-04-04 15:30NETGATE Registry Cleaner build 16.0.205 contains an unquoted service path vulnerability in the NGRegClnSrv service that allows local attackers to escalate privileges by exploiting the service binary path. Attackers can place a malicious executable in the unquoted path and trigger service restart or system reboot to execute code with LocalSystem privileges.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2016-20057"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-428"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2026-04-04T14:16:18Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "NETGATE Registry Cleaner build 16.0.205 contains an unquoted service path vulnerability in the NGRegClnSrv service that allows local attackers to escalate privileges by exploiting the service binary path. Attackers can place a malicious executable in the unquoted path and trigger service restart or system reboot to execute code with LocalSystem privileges.",
"id": "GHSA-j4c2-8cmh-ccg2",
"modified": "2026-04-04T15:30:20Z",
"published": "2026-04-04T15:30:20Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2016-20057"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/40539"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/netgate-registry-cleaner-build-unquoted-service-path-privilege-escalation"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.netgate.sk"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.netgate.sk/download/download.php?id=4"
}
],
"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-J566-5Q32-FP24
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2026-01-16 21:30 – Updated: 2026-01-16 21:30Spy Emergency 25.0.650 contains an unquoted service path vulnerability in its Windows service configurations that allows local attackers to execute code with elevated privileges. Attackers can exploit the unquoted file paths in SpyEmergencyHealth.exe and SpyEmergencySrv.exe to inject malicious code during system startup or service restart.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2021-47845"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-428"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2026-01-16T19:16:10Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Spy Emergency 25.0.650 contains an unquoted service path vulnerability in its Windows service configurations that allows local attackers to execute code with elevated privileges. Attackers can exploit the unquoted file paths in SpyEmergencyHealth.exe and SpyEmergencySrv.exe to inject malicious code during system startup or service restart.",
"id": "GHSA-j566-5q32-fp24",
"modified": "2026-01-16T21:30:37Z",
"published": "2026-01-16T21:30:36Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2021-47845"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/49997"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.spy-emergency.com"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/spy-emergency-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.