CVE-2021-47773 in Power Core
Summary
by MITRE • 01/15/2026
Dynojet Power Core 2.3.0 contains an unquoted service path vulnerability in the DJ.UpdateService that allows local authenticated users to potentially execute code with elevated privileges. Attackers can exploit the unquoted binary path by placing malicious executables in the service's file path to gain Local System access.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/15/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-47773 affects Dynojet Power Core version 2.3.0 and represents a critical security flaw in the DJ.UpdateService component. This issue stems from an improper service path configuration that creates an exploitable condition for local authenticated users. The vulnerability manifests when the service executable path lacks proper quotation marks around the path string, creating opportunities for privilege escalation attacks. According to the Common Weakness Enumeration framework, this vulnerability maps to CWE-16: Configuration, which encompasses issues related to improper configuration of system components that can lead to security breaches. The flaw specifically targets the Windows service architecture and exploits the inherent trust relationships between system components and their execution paths.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the service configuration where the executable path contains spaces but lacks proper quotation marks around the entire path. When Windows attempts to execute the service, it searches for the binary in the specified path and potentially executes any malicious binary placed in the directory structure leading to the intended executable. This behavior aligns with the ATT&CK framework's privilege escalation techniques, specifically targeting the 'Service Execution' and 'Path Interception' tactics. The vulnerability requires local authentication to exploit, meaning an attacker must first establish a legitimate user session on the system before attempting to leverage this flaw. The service path in question allows for arbitrary code execution with elevated privileges because the service runs with Local System permissions, providing attackers with complete system control once successfully exploited.
The operational impact of CVE-2021-47773 extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it provides attackers with a persistent foothold on the system that can be leveraged for further attacks. Once an attacker gains Local System access through this vulnerability, they can establish backdoors, extract sensitive data, modify system configurations, or deploy additional malicious payloads. The vulnerability affects systems running Dynojet Power Core 2.3.0 and potentially other versions that share the same service configuration pattern. Organizations running this software are particularly vulnerable because the flaw exists in the legitimate service installation process rather than requiring special conditions or additional exploits. The attack vector is relatively straightforward, making it an attractive target for threat actors who may not possess advanced exploitation capabilities. The vulnerability's presence in a legitimate update service component also means that security monitoring may not immediately flag the malicious activity as suspicious.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2021-47773 should focus on immediate service path correction and system hardening measures. The primary remediation involves properly quoting the service executable path to prevent path traversal attacks, which aligns with security best practices outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST Cybersecurity Framework. Organizations should immediately update to the patched version of Dynojet Power Core or implement registry modifications to correct the service path configuration. System administrators should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify other services with similar unquoted path vulnerabilities across their infrastructure. Additional protective measures include implementing least privilege principles for service accounts, enabling Windows Defender Application Control policies, and monitoring for suspicious file creation in service directories. The vulnerability's classification as a local privilege escalation issue means that organizations should also review their user access controls and implement proper segmentation to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. Regular security audits and service configuration reviews are essential to prevent similar issues from emerging in other system components.