CVE-2025-5191
CVE-2025-5191 is a high-severity vulnerability with a CVSS 4.0 base score of 7.3. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-428.
Key facts
- Severity: High (CVSS 4.0 base score 7.3)
- EPSS exploit prediction: 0% (4th percentile)
- Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
- EU (EUVD) id: EUVD-2025-25691
- Weakness: CWE-428
- Published:
- Last modified:
Description
An Unquoted Search Path vulnerability has been identified in the utility for Moxa’s industrial computers (Windows). Due to the unquoted path configuration in the SerialInterfaceService.exe utility, a local attacker with limited privileges could place a malicious executable in a higher-priority directory within the search path. When the Serial Interface service starts, the malicious executable could be run with SYSTEM privileges. Successful exploitation could allow privilege escalation or enable an attacker to maintain persistence on the affected system. While successful exploitation can severely impact the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected device itself, there is no loss of confidentiality, integrity, or availability within any subsequent systems.
Frequently asked questions
- What is CVE-2025-5191?
- An Unquoted Search Path vulnerability has been identified in the utility for Moxa’s industrial computers (Windows). Due to the unquoted path configuration in the SerialInterfaceService.exe utility, a local attacker with limited privileges could place a malicious executable in a higher-priority directory within the search path. When the Serial Interface service starts, the malicious executable could be run with SYSTEM privileges. Successful exploitation could allow privilege escalation or enable an attacker to maintain persistence on the affected system. While successful exploitation can severely impact the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected device itself, there is no loss of confidentiality, integrity, or availability within any subsequent systems.
- How severe is CVE-2025-5191?
- CVE-2025-5191 has a CVSS 4.0 base score of 7.3, rated high severity.
- Is CVE-2025-5191 being actively exploited?
- It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (4th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- How do I fix CVE-2025-5191?
- Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.
- Does CVE-2025-5191 have an EU (EUVD) identifier?
- Yes. CVE-2025-5191 is tracked in the ENISA EU Vulnerability Database (EUVD) as EUVD-2025-25691.
- When was CVE-2025-5191 published?
- CVE-2025-5191 was published on 2025-08-25 and last updated on 2026-06-17.
References
Other CWE-428 vulnerabilities
- CVE-2022-50935 — Critical (CVSS 9.8): Flame II HSPA USB Modem contains an unquoted service path vulnerability in its Windows service configuration. Attackers…
- CVE-2023-38408 — Critical (CVSS 9.8): The PKCS#11 feature in ssh-agent in OpenSSH before 9.3p2 has an insufficiently trustworthy search path, leading to…
- CVE-2022-36344 — Critical (CVSS 9.8): An unquoted search path vulnerability exists in 'JustSystems JUST Online Update for J-License' bundled with multiple…
- CVE-2020-9292 — Critical (CVSS 9.8): An unquoted service path vulnerability in the FortiSIEM Windows Agent component may allow an attacker to gain elevated…
- CVE-2019-17658 — Critical (CVSS 9.8): An unquoted service path vulnerability in the FortiClient FortiTray component of FortiClientWindows v6.2.2 and prior…
- CVE-2019-8459 — Critical (CVSS 9.8): Check Point Endpoint Security Client for Windows, with the VPN blade, before version E80.83, starts a process without…