CWE-426
Allowed-with-ReviewUntrusted Search Path
Abstraction: Base · Status: Stable
The product searches for critical resources using an externally-supplied search path that can point to resources that are not under the product's direct control.
1000 vulnerabilities reference this CWE, most recent first.
GHSA-9VC9-VHVP-CRXQ
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-17 01:22 – Updated: 2025-04-20 03:43Untrusted search path vulnerability in Flets Setsuzoku Tool for Windows all versions allows an attacker to gain privileges via a Trojan horse DLL in an unspecified directory.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2017-2242"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-426"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2017-08-29T01:35:00Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Untrusted search path vulnerability in Flets Setsuzoku Tool for Windows all versions allows an attacker to gain privileges via a Trojan horse DLL in an unspecified directory.",
"id": "GHSA-9vc9-vhvp-crxq",
"modified": "2025-04-20T03:43:58Z",
"published": "2022-05-17T01:22:20Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2017-2242"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://jvn.jp/en/jp/JVN22272314/index.html"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://flets-w.com/topics/setsuzoku_tool_vulnerability"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.0/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-9VM9-29FM-CV7R
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2026-09-29 12:31 – Updated: 2026-09-29 12:31Ghostscript for Windows is vulnerable to local privilege escalation through PostScript resource file hijacking. Due to the application searching for PostScript resource files in predictable paths under C:\gs\ that do not exist by default on Windows installations, combined with Windows default ACLs allowing any authenticated user to create directories at the root of C:\, an attacker who is an authenticated local user can create the expected directory structure and plant a malicious PostScript file. When any user or service subsequently runs Ghostscript, the planted file is automatically loaded and executed with the full privileges of the Ghostscript process. This results in full compromise of Ghostscript process context, as well as running arbitrary code on the machine with Ghostscript process privileges.
This issue was fixed in version 10.08.0.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2026-19547"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-426"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2026-09-29T10:17:11Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Ghostscript for Windows is vulnerable to local privilege escalation through PostScript resource file hijacking. Due to the application searching for PostScript resource files in predictable paths under C:\\\\gs\\\\ that do not exist by default on Windows installations, combined with Windows default ACLs allowing any authenticated user to create directories at the root of C:\\\\, an attacker who is an authenticated local user can create the expected directory structure and plant a malicious PostScript file. When any user or service subsequently runs Ghostscript, the planted file is automatically loaded and executed with the full privileges of the Ghostscript process. This results in full compromise of Ghostscript process context, as well as running arbitrary code on the machine with Ghostscript process\u00a0privileges.\n\n\nThis issue was fixed in version\u00a010.08.0.",
"id": "GHSA-9vm9-29fm-cv7r",
"modified": "2026-09-29T12:31:29Z",
"published": "2026-09-29T12:31:29Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-19547"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://bugs.ghostscript.com/show_bug.cgi?id=709522"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://cert.pl/en/posts/2026/09/CVE-2026-19547"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://ghostscript.com"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:4.0/AV:L/AC:L/AT:N/PR:L/UI:P/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:L/SI:L/SA:N/E:X/CR:X/IR:X/AR:X/MAV:X/MAC:X/MAT:X/MPR:X/MUI:X/MVC:X/MVI:X/MVA:X/MSC:X/MSI:X/MSA:X/S:X/AU:X/R:X/V:X/RE:X/U:X",
"type": "CVSS_V4"
}
]
}
GHSA-9VXQ-8CJV-39W4
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-17 02:40 – Updated: 2022-05-17 02:40Untrusted search path vulnerability in the [Simeji for Windows] installer (simeji.exe) allows an attacker to gain privileges via a Trojan horse DLL in an unspecified directory.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2017-2219"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-426"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2017-06-09T16:29:00Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Untrusted search path vulnerability in the [Simeji for Windows] installer (simeji.exe) allows an attacker to gain privileges via a Trojan horse DLL in an unspecified directory.",
"id": "GHSA-9vxq-8cjv-39w4",
"modified": "2022-05-17T02:40:12Z",
"published": "2022-05-17T02:40:12Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2017-2219"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://jvn.jp/en/jp/JVN31236539/index.html"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.0/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-9WX5-HQR2-RQPP
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-24 17:11 – Updated: 2026-10-13 18:30An Unsafe Search Path vulnerability in FortiClient for Windows online installer 6.2.3 and below may allow a local attacker with control over the directory in which FortiClientOnlineInstaller.exe and FortiClientVPNOnlineInstaller.exe resides to execute arbitrary code on the system via uploading malicious Filter Library DLL files in that directory.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2020-9290"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-426",
"CWE-427"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2020-03-15T22:15:00Z",
"severity": "MODERATE"
},
"details": "An Unsafe Search Path vulnerability in FortiClient for Windows online installer 6.2.3 and below may allow a local attacker with control over the directory in which FortiClientOnlineInstaller.exe and FortiClientVPNOnlineInstaller.exe resides to execute arbitrary code on the system via uploading malicious Filter Library DLL files in that directory.",
"id": "GHSA-9wx5-hqr2-rqpp",
"modified": "2026-10-13T18:30:22Z",
"published": "2022-05-24T17:11:40Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2020-9290"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://fortiguard.com/psirt/FG-IR-19-060"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://fortiguard.fortinet.com/psirt/FG-IR-19-060"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-C2J7-MGRP-5G3P
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-17 02:43 – Updated: 2022-05-17 02:43Untrusted search path vulnerability in Empirical Project Monitor - eXtended all versions allows remote attackers to gain privileges via a Trojan horse DLL in an unspecified directory.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2017-2175"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-426"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2017-05-22T16:29:00Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Untrusted search path vulnerability in Empirical Project Monitor - eXtended all versions allows remote attackers to gain privileges via a Trojan horse DLL in an unspecified directory.",
"id": "GHSA-c2j7-mgrp-5g3p",
"modified": "2022-05-17T02:43:13Z",
"published": "2022-05-17T02:43:13Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2017-2175"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://jvn.jp/en/jp/JVN12493656/index.html"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.ipa.go.jp/sec/info/20170519.html"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://jvndb.jvn.jp/jvndb/JVNDB-2017-000098"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.0/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-C2M5-74M2-8279
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-17 02:27 – Updated: 2022-05-17 02:27Untrusted search path vulnerability in FileCapsule Deluxe Portable Ver.1.0.4.1 and earlier allows an attacker to gain privileges via a Trojan horse DLL in an unspecified directory.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2017-2265"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-426"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2017-07-17T13:18:00Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Untrusted search path vulnerability in FileCapsule Deluxe Portable Ver.1.0.4.1 and earlier allows an attacker to gain privileges via a Trojan horse DLL in an unspecified directory.",
"id": "GHSA-c2m5-74m2-8279",
"modified": "2022-05-17T02:27:39Z",
"published": "2022-05-17T02:27:39Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2017-2265"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://jvn.jp/en/jp/JVN42031953/index.html"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://resumenext.blog.fc2.com/blog-entry-30.html"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.0/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-C2XF-G8C5-V9P9
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-14 01:38 – Updated: 2022-05-14 01:38Flash Player versions 31.0.0.153 and earlier, and 31.0.0.108 and earlier have an insecure library loading (dll hijacking) vulnerability. Successful exploitation could lead to privilege escalation.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2018-15983"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-426"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2019-01-18T17:29:00Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Flash Player versions 31.0.0.153 and earlier, and 31.0.0.108 and earlier have an insecure library loading (dll hijacking) vulnerability. Successful exploitation could lead to privilege escalation.",
"id": "GHSA-c2xf-g8c5-v9p9",
"modified": "2022-05-14T01:38:49Z",
"published": "2022-05-14T01:38:49Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2018-15983"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://helpx.adobe.com/security/products/flash-player/apsb18-42.html"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/106108"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.0/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-C332-G293-HMXG
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-24 16:56 – Updated: 2024-04-04 01:56DLL Search Order Hijacking vulnerability in Microsoft Windows client in McAfee Total Protection (MTP) Free Antivirus Trial 16.0.R18 and earlier allows local users to execute arbitrary code via execution from a compromised folder placed by an attacker with administrator rights.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2019-3646"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-426"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2019-09-13T13:15:00Z",
"severity": "MODERATE"
},
"details": "DLL Search Order Hijacking vulnerability in Microsoft Windows client in McAfee Total Protection (MTP) Free Antivirus Trial 16.0.R18 and earlier allows local users to execute arbitrary code via execution from a compromised folder placed by an attacker with administrator rights.",
"id": "GHSA-c332-g293-hmxg",
"modified": "2024-04-04T01:56:58Z",
"published": "2022-05-24T16:56:11Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2019-3646"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://service.mcafee.com/FAQDocument.aspx?\u0026id=TS102968"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:H/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-C363-M38V-37Q6
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-14 01:22 – Updated: 2022-05-14 01:22Untrusted search path vulnerability in Windows 7 allows an attacker to gain privileges via a Trojan horse DLL in an unspecified directory.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2019-5921"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-426"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2019-03-12T22:29:00Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Untrusted search path vulnerability in Windows 7 allows an attacker to gain privileges via a Trojan horse DLL in an unspecified directory.",
"id": "GHSA-c363-m38v-37q6",
"modified": "2022-05-14T01:22:06Z",
"published": "2022-05-14T01:22:06Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2019-5921"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://jvn.jp/en/jp/JVN69181574/index.html"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/107218"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.0/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-C4C3-F77Q-3VH4
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-14 03:17 – Updated: 2022-05-14 03:17Adobe InDesign versions 13.0 and below have an exploitable Untrusted Search Path vulnerability. Successful exploitation could lead to local privilege escalation.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2018-4927"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-426"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2018-05-19T17:29:00Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Adobe InDesign versions 13.0 and below have an exploitable Untrusted Search Path vulnerability. Successful exploitation could lead to local privilege escalation.",
"id": "GHSA-c4c3-f77q-3vh4",
"modified": "2022-05-14T03:17:15Z",
"published": "2022-05-14T03:17:15Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2018-4927"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://helpx.adobe.com/security/products/indesign/apsb18-11.html"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/103716"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.0/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
Mitigation
Strategy: Attack Surface Reduction
Hard-code the search path to a set of known-safe values (such as system directories), or only allow them to be specified by the administrator in a configuration file. Do not allow these settings to be modified by an external party. Be careful to avoid related weaknesses such as CWE-426 and CWE-428.
Mitigation
When invoking other programs, specify those programs using fully-qualified pathnames. While this is an effective approach, code that uses fully-qualified pathnames might not be portable to other systems that do not use the same pathnames. The portability can be improved by locating the full-qualified paths in a centralized, easily-modifiable location within the source code, and having the code refer to these paths.
Mitigation
Remove or restrict all environment settings before invoking other programs. This includes the PATH environment variable, LD_LIBRARY_PATH, and other settings that identify the location of code libraries, and any application-specific search paths.
Mitigation
Check your search path before use and remove any elements that are likely to be unsafe, such as the current working directory or a temporary files directory.
Mitigation
Use other functions that require explicit paths. Making use of any of the other readily available functions that require explicit paths is a safe way to avoid this problem. For example, system() in C does not require a full path since the shell can take care of it, while execl() and execv() require a full path.
CAPEC-38: Leveraging/Manipulating Configuration File Search Paths
This pattern of attack sees an adversary load a malicious resource into a program's standard path so that when a known command is executed then the system instead executes the malicious component. The adversary can either modify the search path a program uses, like a PATH variable or classpath, or they can manipulate resources on the path to point to their malicious components. J2EE applications and other component based applications that are built from multiple binaries can have very long list of dependencies to execute. If one of these libraries and/or references is controllable by the attacker then application controls can be circumvented by the attacker.