Java with maven wouldn't build: Cannot run program "cmd" "Malformed argument has embedded quote"

I have checked the release notes for JDK 13.0.1 at https://www.oracle.com/technetwork/java/javase/13-0-1-relnotes-5592797.html#JDK-8221858

This behavior is a regression from a security fix for JDK-8221858 (not public). Follow the link for a full description. The fix is part of JDK 8u231, JDk 11.0.5, 13.0.1 etc.

To resolve this problem, append -J-Djdk.lang.Process.allowAmbiguousCommands=true to netbeans_default_options in <netbeans-dir>\etc\netbeans.conf.


Although this problem can be fixed by installing jdk1.8.0_221, but actually you don't need to downgrade your JDK. Just try these:

  1. First exit netbeans IDE if it's open, then open netbeans configuration file from here: netbeans-Install-Dir/etc/netbeans.conf (Note: for me netbeans-Install-Dir is C:\Program Files\NetBeans 8.2\etc)
  2. Add the below arguments
-J-Djdk.lang.Process.allowAmbiguousCommands=true
  1. to the beginning of the string that you find at this line:
netbeans_default_options="-J-client -J-Xss2m -J-Xms32m ......."

Sample screenshot as shown below: enter image description here
4. Save the change and start your netbeans IDE.


Did you by any chance install the latest critical update for java? jdk 1.7_241? I installed that today and was having the exact same problem. I downgraded my jdk version and it solved it completely.

EDIT: Apologies, I noticed you're using netbeans 11.1 so you probably have a later java version, in any case, you could try downgrading your java version to a previous release if you happened to update it today as the other version might have the same problem.