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-4QMJ-R3WP-MPM8
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-12-22 21:30 – Updated: 2025-04-16 18:31If Firefox was installed to a world-writable directory, a local privilege escalation could occur when Firefox searched the current directory for system libraries. However the install directory is not world-writable by default.
This bug only affects Firefox for Windows in a non-default installation. Other operating systems are unaffected.. This vulnerability affects Firefox < 96.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2022-22736"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-427"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2022-12-22T20:15:00Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "If Firefox was installed to a world-writable directory, a local privilege escalation could occur when Firefox searched the current directory for system libraries. However the install directory is not world-writable by default.\u003cbr\u003e*This bug only affects Firefox for Windows in a non-default installation. Other operating systems are unaffected.*. This vulnerability affects Firefox \u003c 96.",
"id": "GHSA-4qmj-r3wp-mpm8",
"modified": "2025-04-16T18:31:35Z",
"published": "2022-12-22T21:30:30Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2022-22736"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://bugzilla.mozilla.org/show_bug.cgi?id=1742692"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.mozilla.org/security/advisories/mfsa2022-01"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:H/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-4R4G-JMHW-HH6H
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-24 19:19 – Updated: 2022-05-24 19:19Delta Electronics DIALink versions 1.2.4.0 and prior default permissions give extensive permissions to low-privileged user accounts, which may allow an attacker to modify the installation directory and upload malicious files.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2021-38420"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-276",
"CWE-427"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2021-11-03T20:15:00Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Delta Electronics DIALink versions 1.2.4.0 and prior default permissions give extensive permissions to low-privileged user accounts, which may allow an attacker to modify the installation directory and upload malicious files.",
"id": "GHSA-4r4g-jmhw-hh6h",
"modified": "2022-05-24T19:19:31Z",
"published": "2022-05-24T19:19:31Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2021-38420"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://us-cert.cisa.gov/ics/advisories/icsa-21-294-02"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": []
}
GHSA-4R89-VR67-8QJ8
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2025-07-25 18:30 – Updated: 2025-07-25 18:30A DLL injection vulnerability exists in Commvault for Windows 11.20.0, 11.28.0, 11.32.0, 11.34.0, and 11.36.0. During the installation of maintenance updates, an attacker with local access may exploit uncontrolled search path or DLL loading behavior to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges. The vulnerability has been resolved in versions 11.20.202, 11.28.124, 11.32.65, 11.34.37, and 11.36.15.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2024-13976"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-427"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2025-07-25T16:15:27Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "A DLL injection vulnerability exists in Commvault for Windows 11.20.0, 11.28.0, 11.32.0, 11.34.0, and 11.36.0. During the installation of maintenance updates, an attacker with local access may exploit uncontrolled search path or DLL loading behavior to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges.\u00a0The vulnerability has been resolved in versions 11.20.202, 11.28.124, 11.32.65, 11.34.37, and 11.36.15.",
"id": "GHSA-4r89-vr67-8qj8",
"modified": "2025-07-25T18:30:38Z",
"published": "2025-07-25T18:30:38Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2024-13976"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://documentation.commvault.com/securityadvisories/CV_2024_09_2.html"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/commvault-for-windows-maintenance-installer-dll-injection"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"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-4RF2-JFXM-VXMR
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2026-06-10 15:31 – Updated: 2026-06-10 15:31A potential uncontrolled search path vulnerability was reported in the LanSchool Classic client application that could allow a local authenticated user to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2026-8637"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-427"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2026-06-10T15:16:42Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "A potential uncontrolled search path vulnerability was reported in the LanSchool Classic client application that could allow a local authenticated user to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges.",
"id": "GHSA-4rf2-jfxm-vxmr",
"modified": "2026-06-10T15:31:33Z",
"published": "2026-06-10T15:31:33Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-8637"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://support.lenovo.com/us/en/product_security/LEN-217400"
}
],
"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-4RFH-J7CC-FCH4
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-13 01:20 – Updated: 2022-05-13 01:20DLL injection vulnerability in the installation executables (Autorun.exe and Setup.exe) for Intel's wireless drivers and related software in Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC, Tri-Band Wireless-AC and Wireless-AC family of products allows a local attacker to cause escalation of privilege via remote code execution.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2018-3649"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-427"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2018-05-10T22:29:00Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "DLL injection vulnerability in the installation executables (Autorun.exe and Setup.exe) for Intel\u0027s wireless drivers and related software in Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC, Tri-Band Wireless-AC and Wireless-AC family of products allows a local attacker to cause escalation of privilege via remote code execution.",
"id": "GHSA-4rfh-j7cc-fch4",
"modified": "2022-05-13T01:20:14Z",
"published": "2022-05-13T01:20:14Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2018-3649"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/security-center/advisory/intel-sa-00126.html"
}
],
"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-4RH4-3933-R7HW
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2024-11-12 21:30 – Updated: 2024-11-12 21:30Potential vulnerabilities have been identified in the audio package for certain HP PC products using the Sound Research SECOMN64 driver, which might allow escalation of privilege. Sound Research has released driver updates to mitigate the potential vulnerabilities.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2024-2208"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-427"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2024-11-12T20:15:06Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Potential vulnerabilities have been identified in the audio package for certain HP PC products using the Sound Research SECOMN64 driver, which might allow escalation of privilege. Sound Research has released driver updates to mitigate the potential vulnerabilities.",
"id": "GHSA-4rh4-3933-r7hw",
"modified": "2024-11-12T21:30:54Z",
"published": "2024-11-12T21:30:54Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2024-2208"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://support.hp.com/us-en/document/ish_11567250-11567490-16/hpsbhf03987"
}
],
"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-4RQG-RXGV-8CQ3
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-11-11 19:00 – Updated: 2022-11-16 19:00Uncontrolled search path in the installer software for some Intel(r) NUC Kit Wireless Adapter drivers for Windows 10 before version 22.40 may allow an authenticated user to potentially enable escalation of privilege via local access.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2022-36380"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-427"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2022-11-11T16:15:00Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Uncontrolled search path in the installer software for some Intel(r) NUC Kit Wireless Adapter drivers for Windows 10 before version 22.40 may allow an authenticated user to potentially enable escalation of privilege via local access.",
"id": "GHSA-4rqg-rxgv-8cq3",
"modified": "2022-11-16T19:00:31Z",
"published": "2022-11-11T19:00:30Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2022-36380"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/security-center/advisory/intel-sa-00747.html"
}
],
"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-4VG6-QJ9W-48P3
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-11-08 12:00 – Updated: 2022-11-09 12:00Local privilege escalation due to DLL hijacking vulnerability. The following products are affected: Acronis Cyber Protect Home Office (Windows) before build 40107.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2022-44744"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-427"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2022-11-07T20:15:00Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Local privilege escalation due to DLL hijacking vulnerability. The following products are affected: Acronis Cyber Protect Home Office (Windows) before build 40107.",
"id": "GHSA-4vg6-qj9w-48p3",
"modified": "2022-11-09T12:00:25Z",
"published": "2022-11-08T12:00:24Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2022-44744"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://security-advisory.acronis.com/advisories/SEC-2718"
}
],
"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-4VM6-5MQX-H27M
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2025-11-19 06:31 – Updated: 2025-11-19 06:31When the service of ABP and AES is installed in a directory writable by non-administrative users, an attacker can replace or plant a DLL with the same name as one loaded by the service. Upon service restart, the malicious DLL is loaded and executed under the LocalSystem account, resulting in unauthorized code execution with elevated privileges. This issue affects ABP and AES: from ABP 2.0 through 2.0.7.9050, from AES 1.0 through 1.0.6.8290.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2025-13051"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-427"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2025-11-19T04:16:05Z",
"severity": "CRITICAL"
},
"details": "When the service of ABP and AES is installed in a directory writable by non-administrative users, an attacker can replace or plant a DLL with the same name as one loaded by the service. Upon service restart, the malicious DLL is loaded and executed under the LocalSystem account, resulting in unauthorized code execution with elevated privileges.\nThis issue affects ABP and AES: from ABP 2.0 through 2.0.7.9050, from AES 1.0 through 1.0.6.8290.",
"id": "GHSA-4vm6-5mqx-h27m",
"modified": "2025-11-19T06:31:11Z",
"published": "2025-11-19T06:31:11Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2025-13051"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.asustor.com/security/security_advisory_detail?id=48"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:4.0/AV:L/AC:L/AT:N/PR:L/UI:N/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:H/SI:H/SA:H/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-4VX8-FJ63-V6WV
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-24 19:10 – Updated: 2022-05-24 19:10Acronis Cyber Protect 15 for Windows prior to build 27009 and Acronis Agent for Windows prior to build 26226 allowed local privilege escalation via DLL hijacking.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2021-38086"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-427"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2021-08-12T14:15:00Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Acronis Cyber Protect 15 for Windows prior to build 27009 and Acronis Agent for Windows prior to build 26226 allowed local privilege escalation via DLL hijacking.",
"id": "GHSA-4vx8-fj63-v6wv",
"modified": "2022-05-24T19:10:58Z",
"published": "2022-05-24T19:10:58Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2021-38086"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://kb.acronis.com/content/68564"
}
],
"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.