CVE-2019-25304 in Intelligent Security System SecurOS Enterprise
Summary
by MITRE • 02/06/2026
SecurOS Enterprise 10.2 contains an unquoted service path vulnerability in the SecurosCtrlService that allows local users to potentially execute code with elevated privileges. Attackers can exploit the unquoted path in C:\Program Files (x86)\ISS\SecurOS\ to insert malicious code that would execute with system-level permissions during service startup.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/07/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-25304 resides within SecurOS Enterprise 10.2 software, specifically affecting the SecurosCtrlService component. This represents a classic privilege escalation vulnerability that exploits weak service path configuration in Windows environments. The flaw manifests when the service path contains spaces and is not properly quoted, creating a security gap that malicious actors can leverage for unauthorized code execution. The affected service operates within the program files directory structure, specifically at C:\Program Files (x86)\ISS\SecurOS\, which is a common target for privilege escalation attacks due to its location and typical permissions structure.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper service path configuration where the executable path lacks proper quotation marks around directory names containing spaces. When Windows attempts to start the SecurosCtrlService, it searches for the executable in the specified path and subsequently searches the parent directories for matching executables. This behavior creates an opportunity for attackers to place malicious executables in directories that Windows will traverse during service startup, effectively allowing code injection at system level. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-428, which describes the condition where an application or service uses an unquoted search path, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which covers the exploitation of elevated privileges through service path manipulation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it provides local users with a pathway to achieve system-level privileges without requiring administrative credentials. During service startup, any malicious executable placed in the parent directory structure will execute with the privileges of the service account, typically SYSTEM level permissions. This allows attackers to bypass standard user restrictions and potentially establish persistent access to the compromised system. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires minimal privileges to exploit and can be leveraged for privilege escalation attacks, lateral movement, and data exfiltration activities. Attackers can exploit this by placing a malicious binary with the same name as the expected service executable in the parent directory, ensuring it executes before the legitimate service binary.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-25304 should focus on proper service path configuration and system hardening measures. The primary recommendation involves quoting the service path to prevent directory traversal during execution, ensuring that all service paths containing spaces are properly enclosed in quotation marks. System administrators should also implement the principle of least privilege by reviewing and restricting permissions on the SecurOS installation directory. Additional protective measures include enabling Windows Defender Application Control or similar application whitelisting solutions, conducting regular security audits of service configurations, and monitoring for unauthorized executable placement in system directories. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices and proper service configuration management, aligning with security frameworks that emphasize the need for robust access controls and privilege management. Organizations should also consider implementing regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing to identify similar unquoted path vulnerabilities across their infrastructure.