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-3W3W-2HQV-65F8
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2023-09-30 18:30 – Updated: 2024-02-29 03:32A vulnerability classified as critical has been found in Caphyon Advanced Installer 19.7. This affects an unknown part of the component WinSxS DLL Handler. The manipulation leads to uncontrolled search path. Attacking locally is a requirement. The exploit has been disclosed to the public and may be used. Upgrading to version 19.7.1 is able to address this issue. It is recommended to upgrade the affected component. The associated identifier of this vulnerability is VDB-240903.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2022-4956"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-427"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2023-09-30T17:15:39Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "A vulnerability classified as critical has been found in Caphyon Advanced Installer 19.7. This affects an unknown part of the component WinSxS DLL Handler. The manipulation leads to uncontrolled search path. Attacking locally is a requirement. The exploit has been disclosed to the public and may be used. Upgrading to version 19.7.1 is able to address this issue. It is recommended to upgrade the affected component. The associated identifier of this vulnerability is VDB-240903.",
"id": "GHSA-3w3w-2hqv-65f8",
"modified": "2024-02-29T03:32:24Z",
"published": "2023-09-30T18:30:24Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2022-4956"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://heegong.github.io/posts/Advaned-Installer-Local-Privilege-Escalation-Vulnerability"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://vuldb.com/?ctiid.240903"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://vuldb.com/?id.240903"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.advancedinstaller.com/release-19.7.1.html#bugfixes"
}
],
"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-3W7Q-WCQ7-C2VR
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2026-06-03 21:30 – Updated: 2026-06-03 21:30Local privilege escalation due to DLL hijacking vulnerability. The following products are affected: Acronis DeviceLock DLP (Windows) before build 9.0.15051.93227.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2026-44682"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-427"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2026-06-03T20:16:21Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Local privilege escalation due to DLL hijacking vulnerability. The following products are affected: Acronis DeviceLock DLP (Windows) before build 9.0.15051.93227.",
"id": "GHSA-3w7q-wcq7-c2vr",
"modified": "2026-06-03T21:30:31Z",
"published": "2026-06-03T21:30:31Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-44682"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://security-advisory.acronis.com/advisories/SEC-11249"
}
],
"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:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-3WR4-HQC2-PHF3
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2025-04-29 18:30 – Updated: 2025-04-29 18:30{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2025-23177"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-427"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2025-04-29T16:15:30Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "CWE-427: Uncontrolled Search Path Element",
"id": "GHSA-3wr4-hqc2-phf3",
"modified": "2025-04-29T18:30:57Z",
"published": "2025-04-29T18:30:57Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2025-23177"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.gov.il/en/departments/dynamiccollectors/cve_advisories_listing?skip=0"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:L/I:L/A:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-3XP7-G5Q3-9922
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2023-06-07 09:30 – Updated: 2024-04-04 04:39A heap-based overflow vulnerability in TA prior to version 5.7.9 allows a remote user to alter the page heap in the macmnsvc process memory block, resulting in the service becoming unavailable.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2023-0976"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-427"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2023-06-07T08:15:09Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "\nA heap-based overflow vulnerability in TA prior to version 5.7.9 allows a remote user to alter the page heap in the macmnsvc process memory block, resulting in the service becoming unavailable.\n\n",
"id": "GHSA-3xp7-g5q3-9922",
"modified": "2024-04-04T04:39:10Z",
"published": "2023-06-07T09:30:32Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2023-0976"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://kcm.trellix.com/corporate/index?page=content\u0026id=SB10398"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:L/I:L/A:L",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-42H4-GM3V-W2C4
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2025-09-02 21:30 – Updated: 2025-09-02 21:30NoMachine Uncontrolled Search Path Element Local Privilege Escalation Vulnerability. This vulnerability allows local attackers to escalate privileges on affected installations of NoMachine. An attacker must first obtain the ability to execute low-privileged code on the target system in order to exploit this vulnerability.
The specific flaw exists within the configuration of OpenSSL. The product loads an OpenSSL configuration file from an unsecured location. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges and execute arbitrary code in the context of the service account. Was ZDI-CAN-26766.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2025-8614"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-427"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2025-09-02T20:15:39Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "NoMachine Uncontrolled Search Path Element Local Privilege Escalation Vulnerability. This vulnerability allows local attackers to escalate privileges on affected installations of NoMachine. An attacker must first obtain the ability to execute low-privileged code on the target system in order to exploit this vulnerability.\n\nThe specific flaw exists within the configuration of OpenSSL. The product loads an OpenSSL configuration file from an unsecured location. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges and execute arbitrary code in the context of the service account. Was ZDI-CAN-26766.",
"id": "GHSA-42h4-gm3v-w2c4",
"modified": "2025-09-02T21:30:59Z",
"published": "2025-09-02T21:30:59Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2025-8614"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://kb.nomachine.com/TR04W11314"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.zerodayinitiative.com/advisories/ZDI-25-835"
}
],
"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-42HF-MXXR-H6XR
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2025-06-17 21:32 – Updated: 2025-06-17 21:32An uncontrolled search path vulnerability in the Trend Micro Worry-Free Business Security Services (WFBSS) agent could have allowed an attacker with physical access to a machine to execute arbitrary code on affected installations.
An attacker must have had physical access to the target system in order to exploit this vulnerability due to need to access a certain hardware component.
Also note: this vulnerability only affected the SaaS client version of WFBSS only, meaning the on-premise version of Worry-Free Business Security was not affected, and this issue was addressed in a previous WFBSS monthly maintenance update. Therefore no other customer action is required to mitigate if the WFBSS agents are on the regular SaaS maintenance deployment schedule and this disclosure is for informational purposes only.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2025-49487"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-427"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2025-06-17T19:15:34Z",
"severity": "MODERATE"
},
"details": "An uncontrolled search path vulnerability in the Trend Micro Worry-Free Business Security Services (WFBSS) agent could have allowed an attacker with physical access to a machine to execute arbitrary code on affected installations.\n\nAn attacker must have had physical access to the target system in order to exploit this vulnerability due to need to access a certain hardware component.\n\nAlso note: this vulnerability only affected the SaaS client version of WFBSS only, meaning the on-premise version of Worry-Free Business Security was not affected, and this issue was addressed in a previous WFBSS monthly maintenance update. Therefore no other customer action is required to mitigate if the WFBSS agents are on the regular SaaS maintenance deployment schedule and this disclosure is for informational purposes only.",
"id": "GHSA-42hf-mxxr-h6xr",
"modified": "2025-06-17T21:32:30Z",
"published": "2025-06-17T21:32:30Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2025-49487"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://success.trendmicro.com/en-US/solution/KA-0019936"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.zerodayinitiative.com/advisories/ZDI-25-360"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:P/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-434X-65H3-CG6Q
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2023-05-12 18:30 – Updated: 2024-04-04 04:04A DLL Hijacking issue discovered in Soft-o Free Password Manager 1.1.20 allows attackers to create arbitrary DLLs leading to code execution.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2023-25428"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-427"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2023-05-12T16:15:09Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "A DLL Hijacking issue discovered in Soft-o Free Password Manager 1.1.20 allows attackers to create arbitrary DLLs leading to code execution.",
"id": "GHSA-434x-65h3-cg6q",
"modified": "2024-04-04T04:04:21Z",
"published": "2023-05-12T18:30:25Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2023-25428"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://packetstormsecurity.com/files/172259/Soft-o-Free-Password-Manager-1.1.20-DLL-Hijacking.html"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.soft-o.com/products/free-password-manager.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-4384-WHXJ-38X3
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2023-11-14 21:31 – Updated: 2023-11-14 21:31Uncontrolled search path element in some Intel(R) Chipset Device Software before version 10.1.19444.8378 may allow an authenticated user to potentially enable escalation of privilege via local access.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2023-28388"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-427"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2023-11-14T19:15:22Z",
"severity": "MODERATE"
},
"details": "Uncontrolled search path element in some Intel(R) Chipset Device Software before version 10.1.19444.8378 may allow an authenticated user to potentially enable escalation of privilege via local access.",
"id": "GHSA-4384-whxj-38x3",
"modified": "2023-11-14T21:31:01Z",
"published": "2023-11-14T21:31:01Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2023-28388"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/security-center/advisory/intel-sa-00870.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"
}
]
}
GHSA-43RQ-XVWQ-HP7Q
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2026-02-10 12:30 – Updated: 2026-02-10 12:30A vulnerability has been identified in SINEC NMS (All versions), User Management Component (UMC) (All versions < V2.15.2.1). The affected application permits improper modification of a configuration file by a low-privileged user. This could allow an attacker to load malicious DLLs, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution with SYSTEM privileges.(ZDI-CAN-28108)
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2026-25656"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-427"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2026-02-10T10:15:59Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "A vulnerability has been identified in SINEC NMS (All versions), User Management Component (UMC) (All versions \u003c V2.15.2.1). The affected application permits improper modification of a configuration file by a low-privileged user.\nThis could allow an attacker to load malicious DLLs, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution with SYSTEM privileges.(ZDI-CAN-28108)",
"id": "GHSA-43rq-xvwq-hp7q",
"modified": "2026-02-10T12:30:28Z",
"published": "2026-02-10T12:30:28Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-25656"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://cert-portal.siemens.com/productcert/html/ssa-311973.html"
}
],
"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"
},
{
"score": "CVSS:4.0/AV:L/AC:L/AT:N/PR:L/UI:N/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-4426-5GMW-3HRF
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2025-03-11 18:32 – Updated: 2025-03-11 18:32Uncontrolled search path element in Visual Studio Code allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2025-26631"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-427"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2025-03-11T17:16:43Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Uncontrolled search path element in Visual Studio Code allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.",
"id": "GHSA-4426-5gmw-3hrf",
"modified": "2025-03-11T18:32:19Z",
"published": "2025-03-11T18:32:19Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2025-26631"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2025-26631"
}
],
"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"
}
]
}
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.