CVE-2023-53965
Unquoted Service Path in SOUND4 Server Allows Privilege Escalation
Publication date: 2025-12-22
Last updated on: 2025-12-22
Assigner: VulnCheck
Description
Description
CVSS Scores
EPSS Scores
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Meta Information
Affected Vendors & Products
| Vendor | Product | Version / Range |
|---|---|---|
| sound4 | server_service | 4.1.102 |
Helpful Resources
Exploitability
| CWE ID | Description |
|---|---|
| CWE-428 | 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. |
Attack-Flow Graph
AI Powered Q&A
Can you explain this vulnerability to me?
CVE-2023-53965 is a local privilege escalation vulnerability in SOUND4 Server Service version 4.1.102 caused by an unquoted service path. This flaw allows a local non-privileged user to place malicious executables in directories within the system root path. Because the service's binary path is not properly quoted, when the service starts or the system reboots, the operating system may incorrectly resolve the executable path and run the malicious code with elevated LocalSystem privileges, effectively allowing the attacker to execute arbitrary code with high-level system rights. [1, 2, 3]
How can this vulnerability impact me? :
This vulnerability can allow a local non-privileged user to escalate their privileges to LocalSystem level, which is the highest privilege on a Windows system. By exploiting the unquoted service path, an attacker can execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges, potentially leading to full system compromise, unauthorized access to sensitive data, and the ability to install persistent malware or disrupt system operations. [1, 2, 3]
How can this vulnerability be detected on my network or system? Can you suggest some commands?
This vulnerability can be detected by checking the service path of the SOUND4 Server Service for unquoted paths. On a Windows system, you can use the command: sc qc "SOUND4 Server" to query the service configuration and inspect the BINARY_PATH_NAME for missing quotes. If the path to the executable is unquoted and contains spaces, it is vulnerable. Additionally, you can check for suspicious executables placed in directories along the unquoted path that could be executed with elevated privileges. [1, 2, 3]
What immediate steps should I take to mitigate this vulnerability?
Immediate mitigation steps include correcting the unquoted service path by adding quotes around the executable path in the service configuration to prevent the OS from misinterpreting the path. Alternatively, restrict write permissions on directories in the service path to prevent unauthorized users from placing malicious executables. If possible, update or patch the SOUND4 Server Service to a version that addresses this vulnerability. As a temporary measure, monitor and remove any suspicious files in the system root path that could be exploited. [1, 2, 3]