CVE-2022-50924CWE-428

Private Internet Access 3.3 - 'pia-service' Unquoted Service Path

High · published January 13, 2026

CVSS v4.0
8.5
EPSS
0%
Percentile
11.4
In the wild
Unconfirmed
What it is

⚡ There's a hidden trap in Private Internet Access 3.3 that lets local users slip through the cracks! 🚨 Think of it like a delivery person leaving an important package at the wrong house because the address isn't clearly marked; anyone nearby could swoop in and take it! If an attacker exploits this unquoted service path vulnerability, they can execute arbitrary code with elevated system privileges, turning them into a local superhero – but in the worst way possible. They could potentially control the system, install malware, or access sensitive data without anyone noticing. That's absolutely devastating!

Put simply

Think of it like a delivery person leaving an important package at the wrong house because the address isn't clearly marked; anyone nearby could swoop in and take it! This vulnerability allows attackers to exploit the unquoted service path in the service configuration, enabling them to inject and run malicious code with LocalSystem permissions during service startup.

What to do

If an attacker exploits this unquoted service path vulnerability, they can execute arbitrary code with elevated system privileges, turning them into a local superhero – but in the worst way possible. They could potentially control the system, install malware, or access sensitive data without anyone noticing. That's absolutely devastating! To safeguard your system, immediately patch Private Internet Access to the latest version. Additionally, review your service configurations to ensure that all service paths are properly quoted to prevent similar exploits. Don't leave any doors open! You've got this! Follow these steps, and you'll lock this vulnerability down in no time. 🛡️

The record
Technical detail
CVSS v4.0
8.5 · HIGH
Vector
CVSS:4.0/AV:L/AC:L/AT:N/PR:L/UI:N/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N
EPSS
0.00216 · 11.4th percentile
Weakness
CWE-428 · Unquoted Search Path or Element
Published
2026-01-13T22:51Z
EPSS history
Timeline
  • 13 JAN 22:51Z
    Private Internet Access 3.3 - 'pia-service' Unquoted Service Path
    cvelistv5