CVE-2020-36985 in IP Watcher
Summary
by MITRE • 01/28/2026
IP Watcher 3.0.0.30 contains an unquoted service path vulnerability in its Windows service configuration that allows local attackers to execute arbitrary code. Attackers can exploit the unquoted binary path to inject malicious executables that will be launched with elevated LocalSystem privileges during service startup.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/28/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-36985 resides within IP Watcher version 3.0.0.30, specifically manifesting as an unquoted service path weakness in its Windows service implementation. This flaw represents a classic privilege escalation vector that exploits the operating system's service loading mechanism when service binary paths contain spaces but lack proper quotation. The vulnerability falls under the category of CWE-428, which describes the improper handling of unquoted service paths, and is particularly concerning due to its potential for local privilege escalation. When Windows services are configured with unquoted paths that contain spaces, the operating system searches for executables in a predictable order, beginning with the root directory of the drive and proceeding through each directory in the path until it finds the first executable with the correct name.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker places a malicious executable with the same name as the first directory component in the service path within a location that Windows will search before the legitimate service binary. During service startup, Windows loads the malicious executable with elevated LocalSystem privileges, as Windows services typically run with the highest available privileges. This creates a scenario where a local attacker can achieve arbitrary code execution with system-level permissions, bypassing normal user access controls and security boundaries. The service configuration allows attackers to inject malicious code into the system without requiring administrative credentials or complex attack vectors, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where local access is possible.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with a persistent foothold in the compromised system with elevated privileges. Once executed, the malicious code can establish backdoors, exfiltrate data, or further compromise the system infrastructure. The vulnerability affects systems running IP Watcher 3.0.0.30 where the service is installed with default configurations, making it a widespread concern for organizations that have not properly secured their service installations. From an attacker perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1035 for service execution and T1068 for local privilege escalation, representing a fundamental weakness in service security configuration that attackers frequently exploit in penetration testing scenarios.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including proper quoting of service binary paths during installation, regular security audits of service configurations, and implementation of least privilege principles for service accounts. The recommended approach involves configuring all service paths with proper quotation marks to prevent the Windows service loader from performing directory traversal searches. Additionally, system administrators should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify other services with similar unquoted path configurations and ensure that service installations follow security best practices. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper service configuration management and highlights the need for regular security reviews of system components that operate with elevated privileges, as outlined in industry standards such as those provided by NIST and ISO/IEC 27001 for secure system administration practices.