CWE-427
Allowed-with-ReviewUncontrolled Search Path Element
Abstraction: Base · Status: Draft
The product uses a fixed or controlled search path to find resources, but one or more locations in that path can be under the control of unintended actors.
1896 vulnerabilities reference this CWE, most recent first.
GHSA-C7V7-V5CV-43WM
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2026-10-08 15:32 – Updated: 2026-10-08 15:32An uncontrolled search path element vulnerability in GlavSoft TightVNC Server for Windows before 2.8.88 allows a local authenticated user to execute arbitrary code with SYSTEM privileges. DynamicLibrary::init() (and ThemeLib) load screenhooks32.dll / screenhooks64.dll with LoadLibrary() using a bare file name and no LOAD_LIBRARY_SEARCH_* flags, so the TightVNC service follows the default DLL search order and loads an attacker-planted DLL from a writable directory earlier in that order (for example, an installation directory with permissive ACLs).
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2026-107615"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-427"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2026-10-08T14:16:50Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "An uncontrolled search path element vulnerability in GlavSoft TightVNC Server for Windows before 2.8.88 allows a local authenticated user to execute arbitrary code with SYSTEM privileges. DynamicLibrary::init() (and ThemeLib) load screenhooks32.dll / screenhooks64.dll with LoadLibrary() using a bare file name and no LOAD_LIBRARY_SEARCH_* flags, so the TightVNC service follows the default DLL search order and loads an attacker-planted DLL from a writable directory earlier in that order (for example, an installation directory with permissive ACLs).",
"id": "GHSA-c7v7-v5cv-43wm",
"modified": "2026-10-08T15:32:59Z",
"published": "2026-10-08T15:32:59Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-107615"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://sourceforge.net/p/vnc-tight/bugs/1666"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.tightvnc.com/whatsnew.php"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-C85G-7VC6-Q29W
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2025-01-02 18:30 – Updated: 2025-01-02 18:30Local privilege escalation due to DLL hijacking vulnerability. The following products are affected: Acronis Cyber Protect 16 (Windows) before build 39169.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2024-55540"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-427"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2025-01-02T16:15:07Z",
"severity": "MODERATE"
},
"details": "Local privilege escalation due to DLL hijacking vulnerability. The following products are affected: Acronis Cyber Protect 16 (Windows) before build 39169.",
"id": "GHSA-c85g-7vc6-q29w",
"modified": "2025-01-02T18:30:36Z",
"published": "2025-01-02T18:30:35Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2024-55540"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://security-advisory.acronis.com/advisories/SEC-2245"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.0/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:N",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-C85P-55WV-W2Q5
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2026-07-16 15:33 – Updated: 2026-08-31 21:31A flaw was found in PipeWire, a multimedia server. This vulnerability allows an attacker to escape sandboxed applications, such as Flatpak, by exploiting PipeWire's PulseAudio compatibility layer. An attacker with minimal permissions within a sandboxed environment can load a malicious library, leading to arbitrary code execution outside the sandbox and potential compromise of the user's system.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2026-5674"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-427"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2026-07-16T14:16:56Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "A flaw was found in PipeWire, a multimedia server. This vulnerability allows an attacker to escape sandboxed applications, such as Flatpak, by exploiting PipeWire\u0027s PulseAudio compatibility layer. An attacker with minimal permissions within a sandboxed environment can load a malicious library, leading to arbitrary code execution outside the sandbox and potential compromise of the user\u0027s system.",
"id": "GHSA-c85p-55wv-w2q5",
"modified": "2026-08-31T21:31:29Z",
"published": "2026-07-16T15:33:11Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-5674"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2026:47082"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2026:47083"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2026:51064"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2026:56028"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2026:56029"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2026:61768"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://access.redhat.com/security/cve/CVE-2026-5674"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://bugzilla.redhat.com/show_bug.cgi?id=2455341"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-C85P-R6X8-FQGR
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2026-02-23 15:31 – Updated: 2026-02-23 15:31Dell Repository Manager (DRM), versions prior to 3.4.8, contains an Uncontrolled Search Path Element vulnerability. A low privileged attacker with local access could potentially exploit this vulnerability, leading to arbitrary code execution and escalation of privileges.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2026-21420"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-427"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2026-02-23T14:16:21Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Dell Repository Manager (DRM), versions prior to 3.4.8, contains an Uncontrolled Search Path Element vulnerability. A low privileged attacker with local access could potentially exploit this vulnerability, leading to arbitrary code execution and escalation of privileges.",
"id": "GHSA-c85p-r6x8-fqgr",
"modified": "2026-02-23T15:31:15Z",
"published": "2026-02-23T15:31:15Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-21420"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.dell.com/support/kbdoc/en-us/000430183/dsa-2026-059-security-update-for-dell-repository-manager-vulnerability"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-C8CJ-99CW-RWF2
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2025-05-13 21:30 – Updated: 2025-05-13 21:30Substance3D - Modeler versions 1.21.0 and earlier are affected by an Uncontrolled Search Path Element vulnerability that could result in arbitrary code execution in the context of the current user. If the application relies on a search path to locate critical resources such as libraries or executables, an attacker could manipulate the search path to load a malicious resource, potentially executing arbitrary code. Exploitation of this issue requires user interaction in that a victim must open a malicious file.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2025-43553"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-427"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2025-05-13T21:16:15Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Substance3D - Modeler versions 1.21.0 and earlier are affected by an Uncontrolled Search Path Element vulnerability that could result in arbitrary code execution in the context of the current user. If the application relies on a search path to locate critical resources such as libraries or executables, an attacker could manipulate the search path to load a malicious resource, potentially executing arbitrary code. Exploitation of this issue requires user interaction in that a victim must open a malicious file.",
"id": "GHSA-c8cj-99cw-rwf2",
"modified": "2025-05-13T21:30:57Z",
"published": "2025-05-13T21:30:57Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2025-43553"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://helpx.adobe.com/security/products/substance3d-modeler/apsb25-51.html"
}
],
"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-C8GG-MCPJ-H38F
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2024-08-29 21:31 – Updated: 2024-08-29 21:31Local privilege escalation due to DLL hijacking vulnerability. The following products are affected: Acronis Snap Deploy (Windows) before build 4569.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2024-34017"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-427"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2024-08-29T20:15:07Z",
"severity": "MODERATE"
},
"details": "Local privilege escalation due to DLL hijacking vulnerability. The following products are affected: Acronis Snap Deploy (Windows) before build 4569.",
"id": "GHSA-c8gg-mcpj-h38f",
"modified": "2024-08-29T21:31:03Z",
"published": "2024-08-29T21:31:03Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2024-34017"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://security-advisory.acronis.com/advisories/SEC-4505"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.0/AV:L/AC:H/PR:L/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-C8QJ-CHQJ-F8J2
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-13 01:47 – Updated: 2022-05-13 01:47The "pingsender" executable used by the Firefox Health Report dynamically loads a system copy of libcurl, which an attacker could replace. This allows for privilege escalation as the replaced libcurl code will run with Firefox's privileges. Note: This attack requires an attacker have local system access and only affects OS X and Linux. Windows systems are not affected. This vulnerability affects Firefox < 57.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2017-7836"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-427"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2018-06-11T21:29:00Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "The \"pingsender\" executable used by the Firefox Health Report dynamically loads a system copy of libcurl, which an attacker could replace. This allows for privilege escalation as the replaced libcurl code will run with Firefox\u0027s privileges. Note: This attack requires an attacker have local system access and only affects OS X and Linux. Windows systems are not affected. This vulnerability affects Firefox \u003c 57.",
"id": "GHSA-c8qj-chqj-f8j2",
"modified": "2022-05-13T01:47:12Z",
"published": "2022-05-13T01:47:12Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2017-7836"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://bugzilla.mozilla.org/show_bug.cgi?id=1401339"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.mozilla.org/security/advisories/mfsa2017-24"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/101832"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.securitytracker.com/id/1039803"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.0/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-C8RM-HG85-P336
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2026-03-26 09:30 – Updated: 2026-03-26 09:30The installer of RATOC RAID Monitoring Manager for Windows searches the current directory to load certain DLLs. If a user is directed to place a crafted DLL with the installer, an arbitrary code may be executed with the administrator privilege.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2026-28760"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-427"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2026-03-26T07:16:20Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "The installer of RATOC RAID Monitoring Manager for Windows searches the current directory to load certain DLLs. If a user is directed to place a crafted DLL with the installer, an arbitrary code may be executed with the administrator privilege.",
"id": "GHSA-c8rm-hg85-p336",
"modified": "2026-03-26T09:30:27Z",
"published": "2026-03-26T09:30:27Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-28760"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://jvn.jp/en/jp/JVN08057419"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.ratocsystems.com/topics/userinfo/raidmanager202508"
}
],
"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"
},
{
"score": "CVSS:4.0/AV:L/AC:L/AT:N/PR:N/UI:A/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:N/SI:N/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-C97G-X65Q-5XR4
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-14 03:11 – Updated: 2022-05-14 03:11In AutomationDirect CLICK Programming Software (Part Number C0-PGMSW) Versions 2.10 and prior; C-More Programming Software (Part Number EA9-PGMSW) Versions 6.30 and prior; C-More Micro (Part Number EA-PGMSW) Versions 4.20.01.0 and prior; Do-more Designer Software (Part Number DM-PGMSW) Versions 2.0.3 and prior; GS Drives Configuration Software (Part Number GSOFT) Versions 4.0.6 and prior; SL-SOFT SOLO Temperature Controller Configuration Software (Part Number SL-SOFT) Versions 1.1.0.5 and prior; and DirectSOFT Programming Software Versions 6.1 and prior, an uncontrolled search path element (DLL Hijacking) vulnerability has been identified. To exploit this vulnerability, an attacker could rename a malicious DLL to meet the criteria of the application, and the application would not verify that the DLL is correct. Once loaded by the application, the DLL could run malicious code at the privilege level of the application.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2017-14020"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-427"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2017-11-13T20:29:00Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "In AutomationDirect CLICK Programming Software (Part Number C0-PGMSW) Versions 2.10 and prior; C-More Programming Software (Part Number EA9-PGMSW) Versions 6.30 and prior; C-More Micro (Part Number EA-PGMSW) Versions 4.20.01.0 and prior; Do-more Designer Software (Part Number DM-PGMSW) Versions 2.0.3 and prior; GS Drives Configuration Software (Part Number GSOFT) Versions 4.0.6 and prior; SL-SOFT SOLO Temperature Controller Configuration Software (Part Number SL-SOFT) Versions 1.1.0.5 and prior; and DirectSOFT Programming Software Versions 6.1 and prior, an uncontrolled search path element (DLL Hijacking) vulnerability has been identified. To exploit this vulnerability, an attacker could rename a malicious DLL to meet the criteria of the application, and the application would not verify that the DLL is correct. Once loaded by the application, the DLL could run malicious code at the privilege level of the application.",
"id": "GHSA-c97g-x65q-5xr4",
"modified": "2022-05-14T03:11:43Z",
"published": "2022-05-14T03:11:43Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2017-14020"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://ics-cert.us-cert.gov/advisories/ICSA-17-313-01"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/101780"
}
],
"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-CC5F-W4V2-QR2Q
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2026-02-10 18:30 – Updated: 2026-02-10 18:30Uncontrolled search path for some AI Playground before version 2.6.1 beta within Ring 3: User Applications may allow an escalation of privilege. Unprivileged software adversary with an authenticated user combined with a high complexity attack may enable escalation of privilege. This result may potentially occur via local access when attack requirements are present without special internal knowledge and requires active user interaction. The potential vulnerability may impact the confidentiality (high), integrity (high) and availability (high) of the vulnerable system, resulting in subsequent system confidentiality (none), integrity (none) and availability (none) impacts.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2025-32452"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-427"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2026-02-10T17:16:16Z",
"severity": "MODERATE"
},
"details": "Uncontrolled search path for some AI Playground before version 2.6.1 beta within Ring 3: User Applications may allow an escalation of privilege. Unprivileged software adversary with an authenticated user combined with a high complexity attack may enable escalation of privilege. This result may potentially occur via local access when attack requirements are present without special internal knowledge and requires active user interaction. The potential vulnerability may impact the confidentiality (high), integrity (high) and availability (high) of the vulnerable system, resulting in subsequent system confidentiality (none), integrity (none) and availability (none) impacts.",
"id": "GHSA-cc5f-w4v2-qr2q",
"modified": "2026-02-10T18:30:40Z",
"published": "2026-02-10T18:30:40Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2025-32452"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://intel.com/content/www/us/en/security-center/advisory/intel-sa-01415.html"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:H/PR:L/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
},
{
"score": "CVSS:4.0/AV:L/AC:H/AT:P/PR:L/UI:A/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:N/SI:N/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"
}
]
}
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
Strategy: Attack Surface Reduction
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
Strategy: Attack Surface Reduction
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. Since this is a denylist approach, it might not be a complete solution.
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 finding the program using the PATH environment variable, 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.
CAPEC-471: Search Order Hijacking
An adversary exploits a weakness in an application's specification of external libraries to exploit the functionality of the loader where the process loading the library searches first in the same directory in which the process binary resides and then in other directories. Exploitation of this preferential search order can allow an attacker to make the loading process load the adversary's rogue library rather than the legitimate library. This attack can be leveraged with many different libraries and with many different loading processes. No forensic trails are left in the system's registry or file system that an incorrect library had been loaded.