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-WXWM-WC4V-7F27
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-19 00:00 – Updated: 2022-06-02 00:00SLM has an issue with Windows Unquoted/Trusted Service Paths Security Issue. All installations version 9.x.x prior to 9.20.1 should be patched.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2022-0883"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-428"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2022-05-18T17:15:00Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "SLM has an issue with Windows Unquoted/Trusted Service Paths Security Issue. All installations version 9.x.x prior to 9.20.1 should be patched.",
"id": "GHSA-wxwm-wc4v-7f27",
"modified": "2022-06-02T00:00:27Z",
"published": "2022-05-19T00:00:14Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2022-0883"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://community.snowsoftware.com/s/feed/0D5690000BsNCO6CQO"
}
],
"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-X42M-V846-7WC2
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2023-09-16 21:30 – Updated: 2023-09-16 21:30A vulnerability, which was classified as problematic, was found in Topaz OFD 2.11.0.201. This affects an unknown part of the file C:\Program Files\Topaz OFD\Warsaw\core.exe of the component Protection Module Warsaw. The manipulation leads to unquoted search path. Attacking locally is a requirement. The identifier VDB-239853 was assigned to this vulnerability. NOTE: The vendor was contacted early about this disclosure but did not respond in any way.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2023-5012"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-428"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2023-09-16T21:15:47Z",
"severity": "MODERATE"
},
"details": "A vulnerability, which was classified as problematic, was found in Topaz OFD 2.11.0.201. This affects an unknown part of the file C:\\Program Files\\Topaz OFD\\Warsaw\\core.exe of the component Protection Module Warsaw. The manipulation leads to unquoted search path. Attacking locally is a requirement. The identifier VDB-239853 was assigned to this vulnerability. NOTE: The vendor was contacted early about this disclosure but did not respond in any way.",
"id": "GHSA-x42m-v846-7wc2",
"modified": "2023-09-16T21:30:13Z",
"published": "2023-09-16T21:30:13Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2023-5012"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://vuldb.com/?ctiid.239853"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://vuldb.com/?id.239853"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.0/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:L/I:L/A:L",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-X43W-5RG4-FWJ4
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2024-05-03 12:30 – Updated: 2024-05-03 12:30Unquoted path or search item vulnerability in SugarSync versions prior to 4.1.3 for Windows. This misconfiguration could allow an unauthorized local user to inject arbitrary code into the unquoted service path, resulting in privilege escalation.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2024-4461"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-428"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2024-05-03T11:15:22Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Unquoted path or search item vulnerability in SugarSync versions prior to 4.1.3 for Windows. This misconfiguration could allow an unauthorized local user to inject arbitrary code into the unquoted service path, resulting in privilege escalation.",
"id": "GHSA-x43w-5rg4-fwj4",
"modified": "2024-05-03T12:30:52Z",
"published": "2024-05-03T12:30:52Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2024-4461"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.incibe.es/en/incibe-cert/notices/aviso/unquoted-path-or-search-item-vulnerability-sugarsync"
}
],
"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-X4Q2-PWGR-G2MX
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-12-26 21:30 – Updated: 2023-01-06 15:30Realtek Audio Drivers for Windows, as used on the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon 20A7, 20A8, 20BS, and 20BT before 6.0.8882.1 and 20KH and 20KG before 6.0.8907.1 (and on many other Lenovo and non-Lenovo products), mishandles DLL preloading.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2019-19705"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-428"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2022-12-26T21:15:00Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Realtek Audio Drivers for Windows, as used on the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon 20A7, 20A8, 20BS, and 20BT before 6.0.8882.1 and 20KH and 20KG before 6.0.8907.1 (and on many other Lenovo and non-Lenovo products), mishandles DLL preloading.",
"id": "GHSA-x4q2-pwgr-g2mx",
"modified": "2023-01-06T15:30:45Z",
"published": "2022-12-26T21:30:23Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2019-19705"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://support.lenovo.com/us/en/product_security/ps500315-realtek-audio-driver-vulnerability"
}
],
"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-X522-CQQG-XQX7
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2026-02-11 15:30 – Updated: 2026-02-11 15:30ActiveFax Server 6.92 Build 0316 contains an unquoted service path vulnerability in the ActiveFaxServiceNT service that allows local attackers to potentially execute arbitrary code. Attackers can exploit the unquoted binary path to inject malicious executables that will be launched with elevated administrative privileges.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2019-25310"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-428"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2026-02-11T15:16:09Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "ActiveFax Server 6.92 Build 0316 contains an unquoted service path vulnerability in the ActiveFaxServiceNT service that allows local attackers to potentially execute arbitrary code. Attackers can exploit the unquoted binary path to inject malicious executables that will be launched with elevated administrative privileges.",
"id": "GHSA-x522-cqqg-xqx7",
"modified": "2026-02-11T15:30:27Z",
"published": "2026-02-11T15:30:27Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2019-25310"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.actfax.com"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/47503"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/activefax-server-build-activefaxservicent-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-X8QR-MC64-66WH
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-14 03:16 – Updated: 2022-05-14 03:16Adobe Creative Cloud Desktop Application versions 4.4.1.298 and earlier have an exploitable Unquoted Search Path vulnerability. Successful exploitation could lead to local privilege escalation.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2018-4873"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-428"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2018-05-19T17:29:00Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Adobe Creative Cloud Desktop Application versions 4.4.1.298 and earlier have an exploitable Unquoted Search Path vulnerability. Successful exploitation could lead to local privilege escalation.",
"id": "GHSA-x8qr-mc64-66wh",
"modified": "2022-05-14T03:16:49Z",
"published": "2022-05-14T03:16:49Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2018-4873"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://helpx.adobe.com/security/products/creative-cloud/apsb18-12.html"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/104103"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.securitytracker.com/id/1040860"
}
],
"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-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"
}
]
}
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.