Executive brief
IObit Uninstaller is a utility used to remove unwanted software and browser extensions from Windows systems. A security flaw in how the application registers its background service allows a local user with limited permissions to gain full administrative (SYSTEM) control of the computer. By placing a specially named file in a specific folder, an attacker can trick the system into running their malicious code instead of the legitimate IObit service, potentially leading to a total system takeover.
Technical details
IObit Uninstaller 9.5.0.15 contains an unquoted service path vulnerability (CWE-428) within the 'IObitUnSvr' service (IObit Uninstaller Service). The service's binary path, 'C:\Program Files (x86)\IObit\IObit Uninstaller\IUService.exe', is not enclosed in quotation marks. Because the path contains spaces, Windows will attempt to execute files at each space-delimited break point. A local attacker with write permissions to the 'C:\Program Files (x86)\IObit\' directory can plant a malicious executable named 'IObit.exe'. Upon the next service restart or system reboot, the Service Control Manager will execute the attacker's file with SYSTEM privileges. This vulnerability requires local access and the ability to write to the parent directory of the installation.
Affected products
- IObit Uninstaller 9.5.0.15 and earlier
Timeline
- 2020-06-03: disclosed: Vulnerability discovered and exploit details documented by researcher Gobinathan L.
- 2026-05-13: advisory: NVD/VulnCheck published formal advisory details.