CVE-2016-20089 in Iperius Remote
Summary
by MITRE • 06/19/2026
Iperius Remote 1.7.0 contains an unquoted service path vulnerability that allows local users to execute arbitrary code with SYSTEM privileges by exploiting the service installation path. When installed from directories containing spaces, attackers can place malicious executables in the path to be executed with elevated privileges during service startup or system reboot.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/19/2026
The vulnerability in Iperius Remote 1.7.0 represents a critical security flaw that stems from improper service installation practices and weak path handling mechanisms. This unquoted service path vulnerability occurs when the software installer places service binaries in directories containing spaces without proper quotation of the path during installation. The flaw creates a privilege escalation vector that allows local attackers to execute arbitrary code with SYSTEM privileges, fundamentally compromising the integrity of the affected system. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-428 as an unquoted search path, which is a well-documented weakness that has been exploited in numerous security incidents across various software platforms.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the Windows service architecture where the operating system searches for executables in the specified path without proper quoting. When Iperius Remote 1.7.0 is installed in a directory path containing spaces, the service configuration fails to properly quote the executable path, allowing attackers to place malicious binaries in parent directories of the intended service location. During service startup or system reboot, the operating system attempts to execute the service binary from what appears to be the correct path but actually resolves to a malicious executable placed by the attacker in a directory higher up in the file system hierarchy. This behavior aligns with ATT&CK technique T1035 for service execution and T1068 for local privilege escalation through service abuse.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with SYSTEM-level access to the compromised system. This elevated privilege access enables adversaries to perform actions such as installing additional malware, modifying system configurations, accessing sensitive data, and establishing persistence mechanisms. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires no special privileges to exploit, making it an attractive target for attackers who may already have limited access to the system. The attack vector is simple and reliable, as it only requires placing a malicious executable in a specific location within the directory structure where the service is installed, making it difficult to detect and prevent through traditional security measures.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate patching of the Iperius Remote software to version 1.7.1 or later, which addresses the unquoted service path issue through proper path quoting during installation. System administrators should also implement proper access controls and monitor service installations for unauthorized modifications. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by ensuring that service accounts have minimal required permissions, and regular security audits should be conducted to identify and remediate similar path handling issues in other software installations. Additionally, implementing application whitelisting solutions and monitoring for suspicious file creation in service installation directories can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper software installation practices and the critical need for developers to follow secure coding guidelines that prevent such path manipulation attacks.