CVE-2019-25287 in Adaware Web Companion version
Summary
by MITRE • 02/05/2026
Adaware Web Companion version 4.8.2078.3950 contains an unquoted service path vulnerability in the WCAssistantService that allows local users to potentially execute code with elevated privileges. Attackers can exploit the unquoted path in C:\Program Files (x86)\Lavasoft\Web Companion\Application\ to inject malicious code that would execute with LocalSystem privileges during service startup.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/05/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-25287 represents a critical security flaw in Adaware Web Companion version 4.8.2078.3950 that stems from improper service path configuration. This issue manifests as an unquoted service path vulnerability within the WCAssistantService component, creating a significant attack surface that adversaries can leverage for privilege escalation. The vulnerability specifically affects the service installation path located at C:\Program Files (x86)\Lavasoft\Web Companion\Application\ where the service executable is installed without proper quotation of the path string. This misconfiguration allows attackers to place malicious executables in directories that are searched before the legitimate service binary, effectively enabling privilege escalation attacks.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability relies on the Windows service mechanism's path resolution behavior. When Windows attempts to start the WCAssistantService, it searches through the PATH environment variable and system directories to locate the specified executable. Due to the lack of quotation around the service path, Windows treats the path as separate arguments, allowing an attacker to place a malicious binary in a directory that appears earlier in the search order. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates with LocalSystem privileges during service startup, providing attackers with the highest level of system access available to services. This privilege level enables complete system compromise, including the ability to modify system files, install additional malware, and access sensitive data without user interaction.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-25287 extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass full system compromise capabilities. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability can establish persistent backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive information, and deploy additional malicious payloads with minimal detection risk. The vulnerability affects systems where Adaware Web Companion is installed, making it particularly concerning for enterprise environments where multiple users may have local access to systems. The attack vector requires only local user access, making it accessible to both insider threats and attackers who have gained initial foothold through other means. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-428, which addresses the improper handling of unquoted service paths, and represents a classic example of how service misconfigurations can create persistent security weaknesses that remain undetected for extended periods.
Security professionals should prioritize immediate remediation of this vulnerability through proper service path configuration and regular system audits to identify similar issues. The recommended mitigation involves quoting the service path during installation to prevent the exploitation of the unquoted path behavior. Additionally, system administrators should implement application whitelisting policies and monitor service installations for unauthorized modifications. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following secure coding practices and service configuration guidelines as outlined in various cybersecurity frameworks including the MITRE ATT&CK framework, where such techniques fall under the Privilege Escalation category. Organizations should also conduct regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing to identify similar service path vulnerabilities across their software portfolio, particularly in third-party applications that may not follow optimal security practices during installation and configuration phases.