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.
1786 vulnerabilities reference this CWE, most recent first.
GHSA-3MXP-MW8G-PCRR
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2024-10-11 18:32 – Updated: 2024-10-11 18:32A DLL hijack vulnerability was reported in Lenovo Leyun that could allow a local attacker to execute code with elevated privileges.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2024-33578"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-427"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2024-10-11T16:15:05Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "A DLL hijack vulnerability was reported in Lenovo Leyun that could allow a local attacker to execute code with elevated privileges.",
"id": "GHSA-3mxp-mw8g-pcrr",
"modified": "2024-10-11T18:32:48Z",
"published": "2024-10-11T18:32:48Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2024-33578"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://iknow.lenovo.com.cn/detail/423563"
}
],
"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-3PRF-XHV6-XGM8
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2024-11-13 21:30 – Updated: 2024-11-13 21:30Uncontrolled search path for some Intel(R) IPP software for Windows before version 2021.12.0 may allow an authenticated user to potentially enable escalation of privilege via local access.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2024-28952"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-427"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2024-11-13T21:15:15Z",
"severity": "MODERATE"
},
"details": "Uncontrolled search path for some Intel(R) IPP software for Windows before version 2021.12.0 may allow an authenticated user to potentially enable escalation of privilege via local access.",
"id": "GHSA-3prf-xhv6-xgm8",
"modified": "2024-11-13T21:30:36Z",
"published": "2024-11-13T21:30:36Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2024-28952"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/security-center/advisory/intel-sa-01140.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"
}
]
}
GHSA-3QGP-R42G-2MWQ
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2024-10-11 18:32 – Updated: 2024-10-11 18:32A DLL hijack vulnerability was reported in Lenovo Baiying that could allow a local attacker to execute code with elevated privileges.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2024-33579"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-427"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2024-10-11T16:15:05Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "A DLL hijack vulnerability was reported in Lenovo Baiying that could allow a local attacker to execute code with elevated privileges.",
"id": "GHSA-3qgp-r42g-2mwq",
"modified": "2024-10-11T18:32:48Z",
"published": "2024-10-11T18:32:48Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2024-33579"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://iknow.lenovo.com.cn/detail/423563"
}
],
"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-3QH8-FCM2-QXPV
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2025-10-06 06:32 – Updated: 2025-10-06 06:32The installers of DENSO TEN drive recorder viewer contain an issue with the DLL search path, which may lead to insecurely loading Dynamic Link Libraries. As a result, arbitrary code may be executed with the privilege of the user invoking the installer.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2025-57781"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-427"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2025-10-06T06:15:36Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "The installers of DENSO TEN drive recorder viewer contain an issue with the DLL search path, which may lead to insecurely loading Dynamic Link Libraries. As a result, arbitrary code may be executed with the privilege of the user invoking the installer.",
"id": "GHSA-3qh8-fcm2-qxpv",
"modified": "2025-10-06T06:32:58Z",
"published": "2025-10-06T06:32:58Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2025-57781"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://jvn.jp/en/jp/JVN95806263"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.denso-ten.com/jp/information/topics/2025/1002"
}
],
"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-3QP2-5MW4-HMVP
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-24 17:33 – Updated: 2022-05-24 17:33Uncontrolled search path in the Intel(R) VTune(TM) Profiler before version 2020 Update 1 may allow an authenticated user to potentially enable escalation of privilege via local access.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2020-12329"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-427"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2020-11-12T19:15:00Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Uncontrolled search path in the Intel(R) VTune(TM) Profiler before version 2020 Update 1 may allow an authenticated user to potentially enable escalation of privilege via local access.",
"id": "GHSA-3qp2-5mw4-hmvp",
"modified": "2022-05-24T17:33:34Z",
"published": "2022-05-24T17:33:34Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2020-12329"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/security-center/advisory/intel-sa-00423"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": []
}
GHSA-3QR9-VHFR-RJ74
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-24 19:01 – Updated: 2022-05-24 19:01Multiple vulnerabilities in the install, uninstall, and upgrade processes of Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client for Windows could allow an authenticated, local attacker to hijack DLL or executable files that are used by the application. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to execute arbitrary code on an affected device with SYSTEM privileges. To exploit these vulnerabilities, the attacker must have valid credentials on the Windows system. For more information about these vulnerabilities, see the Details section of this advisory.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2021-1426"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-378",
"CWE-427"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2021-05-06T13:15:00Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Multiple vulnerabilities in the install, uninstall, and upgrade processes of Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client for Windows could allow an authenticated, local attacker to hijack DLL or executable files that are used by the application. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to execute arbitrary code on an affected device with SYSTEM privileges. To exploit these vulnerabilities, the attacker must have valid credentials on the Windows system. For more information about these vulnerabilities, see the Details section of this advisory.",
"id": "GHSA-3qr9-vhfr-rj74",
"modified": "2022-05-24T19:01:37Z",
"published": "2022-05-24T19:01:37Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2021-1426"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://tools.cisco.com/security/center/content/CiscoSecurityAdvisory/cisco-sa-anyconnect-code-exec-jR3tWTA6"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": []
}
GHSA-3QRX-X6RV-W2M2
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-13 01:22 – Updated: 2022-05-13 01:22IBM DB2 for Linux, UNIX and Windows (includes DB2 Connect Server) 9.7, 10.1, 10.5, and 11.1 binaries load shared libraries from an untrusted path potentially giving low privilege user full access to root by loading a malicious shared library. IBM X-Force ID: 158014.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2019-4094"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-427"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2019-03-21T16:01:00Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "IBM DB2 for Linux, UNIX and Windows (includes DB2 Connect Server) 9.7, 10.1, 10.5, and 11.1 binaries load shared libraries from an untrusted path potentially giving low privilege user full access to root by loading a malicious shared library. IBM X-Force ID: 158014.",
"id": "GHSA-3qrx-x6rv-w2m2",
"modified": "2022-05-13T01:22:29Z",
"published": "2022-05-13T01:22:29Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2019-4094"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://exchange.xforce.ibmcloud.com/vulnerabilities/158014"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.ibm.com/support/docview.wss?uid=ibm10875860"
}
],
"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-3R22-JVX3-7MJC
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2023-07-06 19:24 – Updated: 2024-04-04 05:37A CWE-427 - Uncontrolled Search Path Element vulnerability exists that could allow an attacker with a local privileged account to place a specially crafted file on the target machine, which may give the attacker the ability to execute arbitrary code during the installation process initiated by a valid user. Affected Products: Easergy Builder Installer (1.7.23 and prior)
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2022-34755"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-427"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2023-04-18T20:15:10Z",
"severity": "MODERATE"
},
"details": "\nA CWE-427 - Uncontrolled Search Path Element vulnerability exists that could allow an attacker\nwith a local privileged account to place a specially crafted file on the target machine, which may\ngive the attacker the ability to execute arbitrary code during the installation process initiated by a\nvalid user. Affected Products: Easergy Builder Installer\u00a0(1.7.23 and prior)",
"id": "GHSA-3r22-jvx3-7mjc",
"modified": "2024-04-04T05:37:03Z",
"published": "2023-07-06T19:24:16Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2022-34755"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://download.schneider-electric.com/files?p_Doc_Ref=SEVD-2023-101-06\u0026p_enDocType=Security+and+Safety+Notice\u0026p_File_Name=SEVD-2023-101-06.pdf"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:H/PR:H/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-3VCG-JHJM-5FFM
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2025-03-04 18:33 – Updated: 2026-02-05 21:32An Uncontrolled Search Path Element vulnerability exists which could allow a malicious actor to perform DLL hijacking and execute arbitrary code with escalated privileges.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2024-10930"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-427"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2025-03-04T18:15:23Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "An Uncontrolled Search Path Element vulnerability exists which could allow a malicious actor to perform DLL hijacking and execute arbitrary code with escalated privileges.",
"id": "GHSA-3vcg-jhjm-5ffm",
"modified": "2026-02-05T21:32:34Z",
"published": "2025-03-04T18:33:44Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2024-10930"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/ics-advisories/icsa-25-063-01"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.corporate.carrier.com/product-security/advisories-resources"
}
],
"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"
},
{
"score": "CVSS:4.0/AV:L/AC:L/AT:P/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-3VR3-R7X9-49W7
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-24 17:33 – Updated: 2022-05-24 17:33Uncontrolled search path in Intel(R) SCS Add-on for Microsoft* SCCM before version 2.1.10 may allow an authenticated user to potentially enable escalation of privilege via local access.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2020-12320"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-427"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2020-11-12T19:15:00Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Uncontrolled search path in Intel(R) SCS Add-on for Microsoft* SCCM before version 2.1.10 may allow an authenticated user to potentially enable escalation of privilege via local access.",
"id": "GHSA-3vr3-r7x9-49w7",
"modified": "2022-05-24T17:33:33Z",
"published": "2022-05-24T17:33:33Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2020-12320"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/security-center/advisory/intel-sa-00413"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": []
}
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.