CVE-2014-5455: Unquoted Windows search path vulnerability in the ptservice service prior to PrivateTunnel version 3.0 (Window

Routine

MEDIUM 5.3DOWNGRADEDOWNGRADE

CVE-2014-5455 is a medium-severity flaw (CVSS 5.3) affecting openvpn, privatetunnel. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Unquoted Windows search path vulnerability in the ptservice service prior to PrivateTunnel version 3.0 (Windows) and OpenVPN Connect version 3.1 (Windows) allows local users to gain privileges via a crafted program.exe file in the %SYSTEMDRIVE% folder.

Why this priority

Public exploit reference

No fix is published yet: follow the downgrade or mitigation steps.

Risk facts

CVSS score	5.3 (Medium)
Attack vector	Local
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	Low
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	1.0% (top 39%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-428
Published	2014-08-25
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: openvpn · privatetunnel

Last updated 2026-06-17 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2014-08-25 16:55 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 00:11 UTCUpdated Record last modified

openvpn openvpn DOWNGRADE

Affected: 2.1.28.0

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 2.1.28.0

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy openvpn || rpm -q openvpn || openvpn --version

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 2.1.28.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison openvpn sudo apt install openvpn=<VERSION_BEFORE_2.1.28.0> sudo apt-mark hold openvpn

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

dnf --showduplicates list openvpn sudo dnf downgrade openvpn-<VERSION_BEFORE_2.1.28.0> sudo dnf versionlock add openvpn

Downgrade risk

Downgrading can break dependent software and may reopen older bugs. Read the distro advisory first and test on a non-production host.

After downgrade

Restart the service, and keep the package held until a fixed release ships.

privatetunnel privatetunnel DOWNGRADE

Affected: 2.3.8

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 2.3.8

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy privatetunnel || rpm -q privatetunnel || privatetunnel --version

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 2.3.8 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison privatetunnel sudo apt install privatetunnel=<VERSION_BEFORE_2.3.8> sudo apt-mark hold privatetunnel

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

dnf --showduplicates list privatetunnel sudo dnf downgrade privatetunnel-<VERSION_BEFORE_2.3.8> sudo dnf versionlock add privatetunnel

Downgrade risk

Downgrading can break dependent software and may reopen older bugs. Read the distro advisory first and test on a non-production host.

After downgrade

Restart the service, and keep the package held until a fixed release ships.

Public exploits and detection

Public code exists for this CVE. Treat unpatched systems as at risk, and only run PoCs in a lab.

Exploit-DB: OpenVPN Private Tunnel Core Service - Unquoted Service Path Privilege Escalation

Verify at the official source NVD · CVE Program · Report a problem with this page
Scores and fixes here are computed automatically from those and other public sources. Confirm with the vendor advisory before changing production systems.

Quick answers

How do I fix CVE-2014-5455?

openvpn: downgrade or apply the listed mitigation; privatetunnel: downgrade or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2014-5455 being exploited?

CVE-2014-5455 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

What does CVE-2014-5455 affect?

CVE-2014-5455 affects openvpn, privatetunnel. Severity is medium (CVSS 5.3). Unquoted Windows search path vulnerability in the ptservice service prior to PrivateTunnel version 3.0 (Windows) and OpenVPN Connect version 3.1 (Windows) allows local users to gain privileges via a crafted program.exe file in the %SYSTEMDR

How urgent is CVE-2014-5455?

Priority 39/100. Public exploit reference

Software pages

Windows vulnerabilities · OpenVPN vulnerabilities

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References

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