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-8GC4-MHF5-X6QM
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2026-02-01 15:32 – Updated: 2026-02-01 15:32SpyHunter 4 contains an unquoted service path vulnerability that allows local users to potentially execute arbitrary code with elevated system privileges. Attackers can exploit the unquoted service path by placing malicious executables in specific file system locations to gain elevated access during service startup.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2020-37055"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-428"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2026-02-01T15:16:04Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "SpyHunter 4 contains an unquoted service path vulnerability that allows local users to potentially execute arbitrary code with elevated system privileges. Attackers can exploit the unquoted service path by placing malicious executables in specific file system locations to gain elevated access during service startup.",
"id": "GHSA-8gc4-mhf5-x6qm",
"modified": "2026-02-01T15:32:31Z",
"published": "2026-02-01T15:32:31Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2020-37055"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.enigmasoftware.com"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/48172"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/spyhunter-spyhunter-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-8GXF-72XG-W67C
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-24 16:56 – Updated: 2024-04-04 01:58Forcepoint VPN Client for Windows versions lower than 6.6.1 have an unquoted search path vulnerability. This enables local privilege escalation to SYSTEM user. By default, only local administrators can write executables to the vulnerable directories. Forcepoint thanks Peleg Hadar of SafeBreach Labs for finding this vulnerability and for reporting it to us.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2019-6145"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-428"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2019-09-20T20:15:00Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Forcepoint VPN Client for Windows versions lower than 6.6.1 have an unquoted search path vulnerability. This enables local privilege escalation to SYSTEM user. By default, only local administrators can write executables to the vulnerable directories. Forcepoint thanks Peleg Hadar of SafeBreach Labs for finding this vulnerability and for reporting it to us.",
"id": "GHSA-8gxf-72xg-w67c",
"modified": "2024-04-04T01:58:48Z",
"published": "2022-05-24T16:56:36Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2019-6145"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://help.forcepoint.com/security/CVE/CVE-2019-6145.html"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://safebreach.com/Post/Forcepoint-VPN-Client-for-Windows-Unquoted-Search-Path-and-Potential-Abuses-CVE-2019-6145"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://support.forcepoint.com/KBArticle?id=000017525"
}
],
"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-8JFJ-FR6V-VXCH
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2026-01-31 00:30 – Updated: 2026-02-05 21:32IBM Db2 for Windows 12.1.0 - 12.1.3 could allow a local user with filesystem access to escalate their privileges due to the use of an unquoted search path element.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2025-36384"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-428"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2026-01-30T22:15:54Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "IBM Db2 for Windows\u00a012.1.0 - 12.1.3 could allow a local user with filesystem access to escalate their privileges due to the use of an unquoted search path element.",
"id": "GHSA-8jfj-fr6v-vxch",
"modified": "2026-02-05T21:32:38Z",
"published": "2026-01-31T00:30:28Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2025-36384"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/node/7257678"
}
],
"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"
}
]
}
GHSA-8JWJ-HRWC-5589
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2025-12-08 12:30 – Updated: 2025-12-08 12:30FULLBACK Manager Pro provided by GS Yuasa International Ltd. registers two Windows services with unquoted file paths. A user may execute arbitrary code with SYSTEM privilege if he/she has the write permission on the path to the directory where the affected product is installed.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2025-66461"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-428"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2025-12-08T10:16:01Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "FULLBACK Manager Pro provided by GS Yuasa International Ltd. registers two Windows services with unquoted file paths. A user may execute arbitrary code with SYSTEM privilege if he/she has the write permission on the path to the directory where the affected product is installed.",
"id": "GHSA-8jwj-hrwc-5589",
"modified": "2025-12-08T12:30:26Z",
"published": "2025-12-08T12:30:26Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2025-66461"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://jvn.jp/en/jp/JVN59242986"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://ps.gs-yuasa.com/technicalinfo/pdf/failure/FMP_info20251201_TEX48214-993.pdf"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.0/AV:L/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
},
{
"score": "CVSS:4.0/AV:L/AC:L/AT:N/PR:H/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-8PP9-95MF-4FHV
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-24 17:00 – Updated: 2024-04-04 02:35Unquoted Search Path in Maxthon 5.1.0 to 5.2.7 Browser for Windows.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2019-16647"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-428"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2019-10-29T19:15:00Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Unquoted Search Path in Maxthon 5.1.0 to 5.2.7 Browser for Windows.",
"id": "GHSA-8pp9-95mf-4fhv",
"modified": "2024-04-04T02:35:55Z",
"published": "2022-05-24T17:00:02Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2019-16647"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://safebreach.com/Post/Maxthon-Browser-for-Windows-Unquoted-Search-Path-and-Potential-Abuses-CVE-2019-16647"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://forum.maxthon.com/index.php?/topic/24472-unquoted-search-path-and-potential-abuses"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-8Q88-X5Q8-WJ38
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2024-04-29 18:30 – Updated: 2024-04-29 18:30Local privilege escalation due to unquoted search path vulnerability. The following products are affected: Acronis Cyber Protect Cloud Agent (Windows) before build 37758.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2024-34010"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-428"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2024-04-29T16:15:35Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Local privilege escalation due to unquoted search path vulnerability. The following products are affected: Acronis Cyber Protect Cloud Agent (Windows) before build 37758.",
"id": "GHSA-8q88-x5q8-wj38",
"modified": "2024-04-29T18:30:45Z",
"published": "2024-04-29T18:30:45Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2024-34010"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://security-advisory.acronis.com/advisories/SEC-7110"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.0/AV:L/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-9243-8H4W-G3WG
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2026-01-16 00:30 – Updated: 2026-01-16 00:30WibuKey Runtime 6.51 contains an unquoted service path vulnerability in the WkSvW32.exe service that allows local attackers to potentially execute arbitrary code. Attackers can exploit the unquoted path in 'C:\PROGRAM FILES (X86)\WIBUKEY\SERVER\WkSvW32.exe' to inject malicious executables and escalate privileges.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2021-47810"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-428"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2026-01-16T00:16:26Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "WibuKey Runtime 6.51 contains an unquoted service path vulnerability in the WkSvW32.exe service that allows local attackers to potentially execute arbitrary code. Attackers can exploit the unquoted path in \u0027C:\\PROGRAM FILES (X86)\\WIBUKEY\\SERVER\\WkSvW32.exe\u0027 to inject malicious executables and escalate privileges.",
"id": "GHSA-9243-8h4w-g3wg",
"modified": "2026-01-16T00:30:55Z",
"published": "2026-01-16T00:30:55Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2021-47810"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/49999"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/wibukey-runtime-wksvwexe-unquoted-service-path"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.wibu.com"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.wibu.com/us/support/user/downloads-user-software.html"
}
],
"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-92FW-2MW4-J797
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-10-13 12:00 – Updated: 2022-10-14 19:00Dell GeoDrive, versions prior to 2.2, contains an Unquoted File Path vulnerability. A low privilege attacker could potentially exploit this vulnerability, leading to the execution of arbitrary code in the SYSTEM security context.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2022-33920"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-428"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2022-10-12T20:15:00Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Dell GeoDrive, versions prior to 2.2, contains an Unquoted File Path vulnerability. A low privilege attacker could potentially exploit this vulnerability, leading to the execution of arbitrary code in the SYSTEM security context.",
"id": "GHSA-92fw-2mw4-j797",
"modified": "2022-10-14T19:00:42Z",
"published": "2022-10-13T12:00:28Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2022-33920"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.dell.com/support/kbdoc/000203632"
}
],
"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-93J2-GQC2-7P2V
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2026-01-16 00:30 – Updated: 2026-01-16 00:30Active WebCam 11.5 contains an unquoted service path vulnerability that allows local attackers to execute arbitrary code with elevated system privileges. Attackers can exploit the misconfigured service path by placing malicious executables in specific directory locations to gain administrative access.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2021-47790"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-428"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2026-01-16T00:16:22Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Active WebCam 11.5 contains an unquoted service path vulnerability that allows local attackers to execute arbitrary code with elevated system privileges. Attackers can exploit the misconfigured service path by placing malicious executables in specific directory locations to gain administrative access.",
"id": "GHSA-93j2-gqc2-7p2v",
"modified": "2026-01-16T00:30:55Z",
"published": "2026-01-16T00:30:55Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2021-47790"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/50273"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.pysoft.com"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.techspot.com/downloads/175-active-webcam.html"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/active-webcam-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-9425-QRRG-4G6Q
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2026-07-14 18:31 – Updated: 2026-07-14 18:31A code execution security issue exists within Studio 5000 Logix Designer® due to an unquoted search path in the External Tools configuration. The executable paths specified in the external tools configuration file are not properly quoted, and because these paths contain spaces, the operating system may resolve them to unintended executables placed earlier in the search order. If exploited, an attacker could plant a malicious executable in a location within the search path, resulting in arbitrary code execution with the same permissions of the user running the application.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2026-9128"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-428"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2026-07-14T16:17:05Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "A code execution security issue exists within\u00a0Studio 5000 Logix Designer\u00ae\u00a0due to an unquoted search path in the External Tools configuration. The executable paths specified in the external\u00a0tools\u00a0configuration\u00a0file are not properly quoted, and because these paths\u00a0contain\u00a0spaces, the operating system may resolve them to unintended executables placed earlier in the search order. If exploited, an attacker could plant a malicious executable in a location within the search path, resulting in arbitrary code execution\u00a0with the same permissions\u00a0of\u00a0the user running the application.",
"id": "GHSA-9425-qrrg-4g6q",
"modified": "2026-07-14T18:31:56Z",
"published": "2026-07-14T18:31:56Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-9128"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.rockwellautomation.com/en-us/trust-center/security-advisories/advisory.SD1783.html"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:4.0/AV:L/AC:H/AT:P/PR:L/UI:A/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:H/SI:H/SA:H/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.