CVE-2022-50929
Published: 13 January 2026
Summary
CVE-2022-50929 is a high-severity Unquoted Search Path or Element (CWE-428) vulnerability in Connectify Hotspot (inferred from references). Its CVSS base score is 8.5 (High).
Operationally, exploitation aligns with the MITRE ATT&CK technique Path Interception by Unquoted Path (T1574.009); ranked at the 6.3th percentile by exploit likelihood (below the median); it is not currently listed in the CISA KEV catalog; a public proof-of-concept is referenced.
The strongest mitigations our analysis identified are NIST 800-53 CM-6 (Configuration Settings) and CM-7 (Least Functionality).
Deeper analysis
CVE-2022-50929 is an unquoted service path vulnerability affecting Connectify Hotspot 2018, specifically in its ConnectifyService executable located at 'C:\Program Files (x86)\Connectify\ConnectifyService.exe'. Published on 2026-01-13, this issue falls under CWE-428 and carries a CVSS v3.1 base score of 8.4 (AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H), enabling local attackers to potentially execute arbitrary code by exploiting the unquoted path.
Local attackers can exploit this vulnerability without requiring privileges, user interaction, or high complexity. By placing a malicious executable in a directory that the Windows service resolves due to the unquoted path—such as exploiting spaces in "Program Files (x86)"—attackers can hijack the service execution, leading to arbitrary code execution and privilege escalation upon service startup or restart.
Advisories and related resources include the vendor site at https://www.connectify.me/, a proof-of-concept exploit at https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/50764, and a detailed advisory from VulnCheck at https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/connectify-hotspot-connectifyservice-unquoted-service-path, which security practitioners should review for mitigation guidance and patching details.
EU & UK References
- 🇪🇺 ENISA EUVD: EUVD-2026-2620
Vulnerability details
Connectify Hotspot 2018 contains an unquoted service path vulnerability in its ConnectifyService executable that allows local attackers to potentially execute arbitrary code. Attackers can exploit the unquoted path in 'C:\Program Files (x86)\Connectify\ConnectifyService.exe' to inject malicious executables and escalate privileges.
- CWE(s)
Related Threats
MITRE ATT&CK Enterprise TechniquesAI
Why these techniques?
Unquoted service path directly enables path interception by placing a malicious binary in a resolved directory (e.g., via spaces in Program Files), hijacking Windows service execution for code execution and escalation.
CVEs Like This One
Affected Assets
Mitigating Controls
Mitigating Controls (NIST 800-53 r5) AI
CM-6 enforces secure configuration settings for system components like services, directly preventing unquoted path vulnerabilities by requiring properly quoted executable paths.
SI-2 mandates timely flaw remediation, including patching Connectify Hotspot or correcting the unquoted service path to eliminate the vulnerability.
CM-7 restricts systems to least functionality by prohibiting or disabling unnecessary services like the vulnerable ConnectifyService, preventing exploitation.