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-4W57-3PGP-2492
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2025-10-02 00:32 – Updated: 2025-10-02 00:32NVIDIA Nsight Graphics for Windows contains a vulnerability in an ngfx component, where an attacker could cause a DLL highjacking attack. A successful exploit of this vulnerability may lead to code execution, escalation of privileges, data tampering, and denial of service.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2025-23355"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-427"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2025-10-01T22:15:30Z",
"severity": "MODERATE"
},
"details": "NVIDIA Nsight Graphics for Windows contains a vulnerability in an ngfx component, where an attacker could cause a DLL highjacking attack. A successful exploit of this vulnerability may lead to code execution, escalation of privileges, data tampering, and denial of service.",
"id": "GHSA-4w57-3pgp-2492",
"modified": "2025-10-02T00:32:09Z",
"published": "2025-10-02T00:32:09Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2025-23355"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://nvidia.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/5704"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.cve.org/CVERecord?id=CVE-2025-23355"
}
],
"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-4W65-WGCH-MFHQ
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2023-11-02 21:30 – Updated: 2023-11-02 21:30NVIDIA GPU Display Driver for Windows contains a vulnerability where an uncontrolled search path element may allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code, which may lead to code execution, denial of service, escalation of privileges, information disclosure, or data tampering.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2023-31016"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-427"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2023-11-02T19:15:40Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "NVIDIA GPU Display Driver for Windows contains a vulnerability where an uncontrolled search path element may allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code, which may lead to code execution, denial of service, escalation of privileges, information disclosure, or data tampering.",
"id": "GHSA-4w65-wgch-mfhq",
"modified": "2023-11-02T21:30:19Z",
"published": "2023-11-02T21:30:19Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2023-31016"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://nvidia.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/5491"
}
],
"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-4WRG-FCQH-8CG6
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-24 17:17 – Updated: 2025-05-27 18:30SAP Business Client, version 7.0, allows an attacker after a successful social engineering attack to inject malicious code as a DLL file in untrusted directories that can be executed by the application, due to uncontrolled search path element. An attacker could thereby control the behavior of the application.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2020-6244"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-427"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2020-05-12T18:15:00Z",
"severity": "MODERATE"
},
"details": "SAP Business Client, version 7.0, allows an attacker after a successful social engineering attack to inject malicious code as a DLL file in untrusted directories that can be executed by the application, due to uncontrolled search path element. An attacker could thereby control the behavior of the application.",
"id": "GHSA-4wrg-fcqh-8cg6",
"modified": "2025-05-27T18:30:32Z",
"published": "2022-05-24T17:17:42Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2020-6244"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://launchpad.support.sap.com/#/notes/2911801"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://wiki.scn.sap.com/wiki/pages/viewpage.action?pageId=545396222"
}
],
"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-4X76-2J9H-Q9R9
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-10-28 12:00 – Updated: 2022-10-31 19:00A vulnerability was found in Redis. It has been declared as critical. This vulnerability affects unknown code in the library C:/Program Files/Redis/dbghelp.dll. The manipulation leads to uncontrolled search path. The attack can be initiated remotely. The exploit has been disclosed to the public and may be used. The identifier of this vulnerability is VDB-212416.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2022-3734"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-426",
"CWE-427"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2022-10-28T08:15:00Z",
"severity": "CRITICAL"
},
"details": "A vulnerability was found in Redis. It has been declared as critical. This vulnerability affects unknown code in the library C:/Program Files/Redis/dbghelp.dll. The manipulation leads to uncontrolled search path. The attack can be initiated remotely. The exploit has been disclosed to the public and may be used. The identifier of this vulnerability is VDB-212416.",
"id": "GHSA-4x76-2j9h-q9r9",
"modified": "2022-10-31T19:00:26Z",
"published": "2022-10-28T12:00:34Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2022-3734"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://vuldb.com/?id.212416"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.cnblogs.com/J0o1ey/p/16829380.html"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-4XPM-J9J4-GG2R
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2023-04-04 18:30 – Updated: 2023-04-11 15:30An issue was discovered in Acuant AcuFill SDK before 10.22.02.03. During SDK repair, certutil.exe is called by the Acuant installer to repair certificates. This call is vulnerable to DLL hijacking due to a race condition and insecure permissions on the executing directory.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2022-48223"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-427"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2023-04-04T16:15:00Z",
"severity": "MODERATE"
},
"details": "An issue was discovered in Acuant AcuFill SDK before 10.22.02.03. During SDK repair, certutil.exe is called by the Acuant installer to repair certificates. This call is vulnerable to DLL hijacking due to a race condition and insecure permissions on the executing directory.",
"id": "GHSA-4xpm-j9j4-gg2r",
"modified": "2023-04-11T15:30:29Z",
"published": "2023-04-04T18:30:20Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2022-48223"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://acuant.com"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://hackandpwn.com/disclosures/CVE-2022-48223.pdf"
}
],
"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-4XXV-X43X-7C6G
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-04-12 00:00 – Updated: 2022-04-20 00:00DLL hijacking vulnerability in Kies prior to version 2.6.4.22014_2 allows attacker to execute abitrary code.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2022-27843"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-427"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2022-04-11T20:15:00Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "DLL hijacking vulnerability in Kies prior to version 2.6.4.22014_2 allows attacker to execute abitrary code.",
"id": "GHSA-4xxv-x43x-7c6g",
"modified": "2022-04-20T00:00:59Z",
"published": "2022-04-12T00:00:23Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2022-27843"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://security.samsungmobile.com/serviceWeb.smsb?year=2022\u0026month=4"
}
],
"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-52J5-46FC-2H8G
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2025-02-13 00:33 – Updated: 2025-02-13 00:33Uncontrolled search path for some Intel(R) QuickAssist Technology software before version 2.2.0 may allow an authenticated user to potentially enable escalation of privilege via local access.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2024-29223"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-427"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2025-02-12T22:15:32Z",
"severity": "MODERATE"
},
"details": "Uncontrolled search path for some Intel(R) QuickAssist Technology software before version 2.2.0 may allow an authenticated user to potentially enable escalation of privilege via local access.",
"id": "GHSA-52j5-46fc-2h8g",
"modified": "2025-02-13T00:33:05Z",
"published": "2025-02-13T00:33:05Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2024-29223"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://intel.com/content/www/us/en/security-center/advisory/intel-sa-01124.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-52PJ-Q5JQ-XR5G
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2026-01-21 18:30 – Updated: 2026-01-31 00:30D-Link D-View 8 versions 2.0.1.107 and below contain an uncontrolled search path vulnerability in the installer. When executed with elevated privileges via UAC, the installer attempts to load version.dll from its execution directory, allowing DLL preloading. An attacker can supply a malicious version.dll alongside the legitimate installer so that, when a victim runs the installer and approves the UAC prompt, attacker-controlled code executes with administrator privileges. This can lead to full system compromise.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2026-23755"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-427"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2026-01-21T18:16:26Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "D-Link D-View 8 versions 2.0.1.107 and below contain an uncontrolled search path vulnerability in the installer. When executed with elevated privileges via UAC, the installer attempts to load version.dll from its execution directory, allowing DLL preloading. An attacker can supply a malicious version.dll alongside the legitimate installer so that, when a victim runs the installer and approves the UAC prompt, attacker-controlled code executes with administrator privileges. This can lead to full system compromise.",
"id": "GHSA-52pj-q5jq-xr5g",
"modified": "2026-01-31T00:30:28Z",
"published": "2026-01-21T18:30:32Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-23755"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://supportannouncement.us.dlink.com/security/publication.aspx?name=SAP10471"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/dlink-dview-8-installer-dll-preloading-via-uncontrolled-search-path"
}
],
"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"
},
{
"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-53C9-5R42-637X
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2026-02-10 12:30 – Updated: 2026-02-10 12:30A vulnerability has been identified in SINEC NMS (All versions < V4.0 SP2). 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 administrative privilege.(ZDI-CAN-28107)
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2026-25655"
],
"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 \u003c V4.0 SP2). 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 administrative privilege.(ZDI-CAN-28107)",
"id": "GHSA-53c9-5r42-637x",
"modified": "2026-02-10T12:30:28Z",
"published": "2026-02-10T12:30:28Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-25655"
},
{
"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-53RC-5QHC-PMXP
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-24 17:31 – Updated: 2022-05-24 17:31Adobe After Effects version 17.1.1 (and earlier) for Windows is affected by an uncontrolled search path vulnerability that could result in arbitrary code execution in the context of the current user. Exploitation of this issue requires user interaction in that a victim must open a malicious file.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2020-24419"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-427"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2020-10-21T21:15:00Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Adobe After Effects version 17.1.1 (and earlier) for Windows is affected by an uncontrolled search path vulnerability that could result in arbitrary code execution in the context of the current user. Exploitation of this issue requires user interaction in that a victim must open a malicious file.",
"id": "GHSA-53rc-5qhc-pmxp",
"modified": "2022-05-24T17:31:42Z",
"published": "2022-05-24T17:31:42Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2020-24419"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://helpx.adobe.com/security/products/after_effects/apsb20-62.html"
}
],
"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.