Description

Dell Inventory Collector Client, versions prior to 15.0.0, contain an Unquoted Search Path or Element vulnerability. A low privileged attacker with local access could potentially exploit this vulnerability, leading to Code execution and Elevation of Privileges

Executive Summary

Technical Details

Mitigations

References

Additional Metadata

{
  "score": "7.8",
  "pubDate": "2026-09-21T20:17:33.130Z",
  "pubdate": "2026-09-21T20:17:33.130Z",
  "executiveSummary": "Dell Inventory Collector Client versions prior to 15.0.0 are affected by an Unquoted Search Path vulnerability. This security flaw stems from the improper handling of executable paths within the Windows service environment. By failing to enclose file paths containing spaces within quotation marks, the application becomes susceptible to a binary planting attack. A local attacker with low-privileged access can exploit this misconfiguration to achieve unauthorized code execution with elevated system privileges. This vulnerability poses a significant risk to the integrity and security of the affected host, as it facilitates full system compromise. Successful exploitation requires local access to the target machine, but the subsequent Elevation of Privileges allows an attacker to bypass standard security boundaries, potentially leading to persistent malware deployment, unauthorized data access, or total control of the underlying operating system. Organizations utilizing these versions of the Dell Inventory Collector are advised to upgrade to version 15.0.0 or later to remediate this vector.",
  "technicalDetails": "The vulnerability is classified as an Unquoted Search Path or Element, occurring when an executable path is configured in the Windows Registry or within service definitions without explicit surrounding quotes. In the context of the Dell Inventory Collector Client (versions prior to 15.0.0), the service path is configured such that it interprets spaces as argument delimiters rather than as part of the directory path string. When the Windows Service Control Manager (SCM) attempts to execute the service, the ambiguity in the unquoted path forces the operating system to search for executables in a sequential, iterative manner.\nSpecifically, if the path is structured as C:\\Program Files\\Dell\\Inventory Collector\\Service.exe without quotes, the SCM will systematically search for files such as C:\\Program.exe, C:\\Program Files\\Dell\\Inventory.exe, and finally the intended binary. An attacker with local access can leverage this behavior by planting a malicious executable at any of the intermediate search locations. By naming a malicious payload to match one of these anticipated path segments, the attacker ensures that the SCM executes their code with the same privileges as the service—typically SYSTEM or high-integrity administrator tokens—instead of the legitimate Dell Inventory Collector binary.\nThe attack flow follows a predictable sequence: First, the attacker identifies the unquoted service path via registry inspection or system utility calls. Second, the attacker writes a malicious binary to the filesystem in a location that takes precedence in the Windows search order (e.g., the root of the C: drive). Third, upon a service restart or system reboot, the SCM triggers the malicious binary due to the incomplete path resolution. The payload then executes within the security context of the service. Because this occurs prior to or during the service initialization process, the attacker effectively achieves arbitrary code execution with elevated privileges. This bypasses the requirement for administrative authorization at the point of initial entry, enabling the attacker to transition from a low-privileged user account to a high-privileged state, facilitating further post-exploitation activities such as credential dumping, internal reconnaissance, or the installation of rootkits to maintain persistence on the compromised system."
}