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.
1859 vulnerabilities reference this CWE, most recent first.
GHSA-FJ2C-82J7-PVQX
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-13 01:49 – Updated: 2022-05-13 01:49Adobe Connect versions 9.7.5 and earlier have an Insecure Library Loading vulnerability. Successful exploitation could lead to privilege escalation.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2018-12805"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-427"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2018-07-20T19:29:00Z",
"severity": "CRITICAL"
},
"details": "Adobe Connect versions 9.7.5 and earlier have an Insecure Library Loading vulnerability. Successful exploitation could lead to privilege escalation.",
"id": "GHSA-fj2c-82j7-pvqx",
"modified": "2022-05-13T01:49:38Z",
"published": "2022-05-13T01:49:38Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2018-12805"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://helpx.adobe.com/security/products/connect/apsb18-22.html"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/104696"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-FJ34-JGXP-CV4F
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-24 17:29 – Updated: 2024-10-21 15:32If Firefox is installed to a user-writable directory, the Mozilla Maintenance Service would execute updater.exe from the install location with system privileges. Although the Mozilla Maintenance Service does ensure that updater.exe is signed by Mozilla, the version could have been rolled back to a previous version which would have allowed exploitation of an older bug and arbitrary code execution with System Privileges. Note: This issue only affected Windows operating systems. Other operating systems are unaffected.. This vulnerability affects Firefox < 80, Thunderbird < 78.2, Thunderbird < 68.12, Firefox ESR < 68.12, and Firefox ESR < 78.2.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2020-15663"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-269",
"CWE-427"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2020-10-01T19:15:00Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "If Firefox is installed to a user-writable directory, the Mozilla Maintenance Service would execute updater.exe from the install location with system privileges. Although the Mozilla Maintenance Service does ensure that updater.exe is signed by Mozilla, the version could have been rolled back to a previous version which would have allowed exploitation of an older bug and arbitrary code execution with System Privileges. *Note: This issue only affected Windows operating systems. Other operating systems are unaffected.*. This vulnerability affects Firefox \u003c 80, Thunderbird \u003c 78.2, Thunderbird \u003c 68.12, Firefox ESR \u003c 68.12, and Firefox ESR \u003c 78.2.",
"id": "GHSA-fj34-jgxp-cv4f",
"modified": "2024-10-21T15:32:23Z",
"published": "2022-05-24T17:29:54Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2020-15663"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://bugzilla.mozilla.org/show_bug.cgi?id=1643199"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.mozilla.org/security/advisories/mfsa2020-36"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.mozilla.org/security/advisories/mfsa2020-37"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.mozilla.org/security/advisories/mfsa2020-38"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.mozilla.org/security/advisories/mfsa2020-40"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.mozilla.org/security/advisories/mfsa2020-41"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-FJ46-CFM8-7PC4
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2026-02-24 03:30 – Updated: 2026-02-24 03:30An uncontrolled search path element vulnerability in Synology Presto Client before 2.1.3-0672 allows local users to read or write arbitrary files during installation by placing a malicious DLL in advance in the same directory as the installer.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2026-3091"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-427"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2026-02-24T03:16:03Z",
"severity": "MODERATE"
},
"details": "An uncontrolled search path element vulnerability in Synology Presto Client before 2.1.3-0672 allows local users to read or write arbitrary files during installation by placing a malicious DLL in advance in the same directory as the installer.",
"id": "GHSA-fj46-cfm8-7pc4",
"modified": "2026-02-24T03:30:20Z",
"published": "2026-02-24T03:30:20Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-3091"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.synology.com/en-global/security/advisory/Synology_SA_26_02"
}
],
"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-FJFC-48H7-67X9
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2024-04-03 09:30 – Updated: 2024-10-31 15:30Uncontrolled search path element issue exists in SonicDICOM Media Viewer 2.3.2 and earlier, which may lead to insecurely loading Dynamic Link Libraries. As a result, arbitrary code may be executed with the privileges of the running application.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2024-29734"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-427"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2024-04-03T08:15:49Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Uncontrolled search path element issue exists in SonicDICOM Media Viewer 2.3.2 and earlier, which may lead to insecurely loading Dynamic Link Libraries. As a result, arbitrary code may be executed with the privileges of the running application.",
"id": "GHSA-fjfc-48h7-67x9",
"modified": "2024-10-31T15:30:57Z",
"published": "2024-04-03T09:30:33Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2024-29734"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://jvn.jp/en/jp/JVN40367518"
}
],
"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-FMMQ-463J-8Q92
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-24 19:09 – Updated: 2022-05-24 19:09A DLL injection vulnerability in 1password.dll of 1Password 7.3.712 allows attackers to execute arbitrary code.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2020-18173"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-427"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2021-07-26T20:15:00Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "A DLL injection vulnerability in 1password.dll of 1Password 7.3.712 allows attackers to execute arbitrary code.",
"id": "GHSA-fmmq-463j-8q92",
"modified": "2022-05-24T19:09:10Z",
"published": "2022-05-24T19:09:10Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2020-18173"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://github.com/GitHubAssessments/CVE_Assessments_11_2019"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": []
}
GHSA-FP78-WR5R-R3FR
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2024-10-15 00:30 – Updated: 2024-10-15 00:30A dynamic search for a prerequisite library could allow the possibility for an attacker to replace the correct file under some circumstances.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2024-30117"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-427"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2024-10-14T23:15:11Z",
"severity": "LOW"
},
"details": "A dynamic search for a prerequisite library could allow the possibility for an attacker to replace the correct file under some circumstances.",
"id": "GHSA-fp78-wr5r-r3fr",
"modified": "2024-10-15T00:30:57Z",
"published": "2024-10-15T00:30:57Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2024-30117"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://support.hcl-software.com/csm?id=kb_article\u0026sysparm_article=KB0116659"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:H/PR:H/UI:N/S:C/C:N/I:N/A:L",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-FPR4-35H4-W37C
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-13 01:17 – Updated: 2022-05-13 01:17Adobe ColdFusion Update 5 and earlier versions, ColdFusion 11 Update 13 and earlier versions have an exploitable Insecure Library Loading vulnerability. Successful exploitation could lead to local privilege escalation.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2018-4938"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-427"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2018-05-19T17:29:00Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Adobe ColdFusion Update 5 and earlier versions, ColdFusion 11 Update 13 and earlier versions have an exploitable Insecure Library Loading vulnerability. Successful exploitation could lead to local privilege escalation.",
"id": "GHSA-fpr4-35h4-w37c",
"modified": "2022-05-13T01:17:37Z",
"published": "2022-05-13T01:17:37Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2018-4938"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://helpx.adobe.com/security/products/coldfusion/apsb18-14.html"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/103718"
}
],
"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-FPVX-GW57-2P3V
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2024-05-15 18:30 – Updated: 2024-05-15 18:30A vulnerability in the Tail-f High Availability Cluster Communications (HCC) function pack of Cisco Crosswork Network Services Orchestrator (NSO) could allow an authenticated, local attacker to elevate privileges to root on an affected device.
This vulnerability exists because a user-controlled search path is used to locate executable files. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by configuring the application in a way that causes a malicious file to be executed. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to execute arbitrary code on an affected device as the root user. To exploit this vulnerability, the attacker would need valid credentials on an affected device.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2024-20366"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-427",
"CWE-73"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2024-05-15T18:15:09Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "A vulnerability in the Tail-f High Availability Cluster Communications (HCC) function pack of Cisco Crosswork Network Services Orchestrator (NSO) could allow an authenticated, local attacker to elevate privileges to root on an affected device.\n\n This vulnerability exists because a user-controlled search path is used to locate executable files. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by configuring the application in a way that causes a malicious file to be executed. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to execute arbitrary code on an affected device as the root user. To exploit this vulnerability, the attacker would need valid credentials on an affected device.",
"id": "GHSA-fpvx-gw57-2p3v",
"modified": "2024-05-15T18:30:35Z",
"published": "2024-05-15T18:30:35Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2024-20366"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://sec.cloudapps.cisco.com/security/center/content/CiscoSecurityAdvisory/cisco-sa-nso-hcc-priv-esc-OWBWCs5D"
}
],
"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-FPXQ-878R-VMWF
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2023-08-10 18:31 – Updated: 2024-04-04 06:48A DLL hijacking vulnerability has been discovered in OutSystems Service Studio 11 11.53.30 build 61739. When a user open a .oml file (OutSystems Modeling Language), the application will load the following DLLs from the same directory av_libGLESv2.dll, libcef.DLL, user32.dll, and d3d10warp.dll. Using a crafted DLL, it is possible to execute arbitrary code in the context of the current logged in user.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2022-47636"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-427"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2023-08-10T16:15:09Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "A DLL hijacking vulnerability has been discovered in OutSystems Service Studio 11 11.53.30 build 61739. When a user open a .oml file (OutSystems Modeling Language), the application will load the following DLLs from the same directory av_libGLESv2.dll, libcef.DLL, user32.dll, and d3d10warp.dll. Using a crafted DLL, it is possible to execute arbitrary code in the context of the current logged in user.",
"id": "GHSA-fpxq-878r-vmwf",
"modified": "2024-04-04T06:48:37Z",
"published": "2023-08-10T18:31:00Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2022-47636"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/51678"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/174127/OutSystems-Service-Studio-11.53.30-DLL-Hijacking.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-FQ6P-2QGQ-54M8
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2025-09-26 18:31 – Updated: 2025-11-19 15:31Notepad++ v8.8.3 has a DLL hijacking vulnerability, which can replace the original DLL file to execute malicious code.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2025-56383"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-427",
"CWE-77"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2025-09-26T18:15:36Z",
"severity": "MODERATE"
},
"details": "Notepad++ v8.8.3 has a DLL hijacking vulnerability, which can replace the original DLL file to execute malicious code.",
"id": "GHSA-fq6p-2qgq-54m8",
"modified": "2025-11-19T15:31:32Z",
"published": "2025-09-26T18:31:23Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2025-56383"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://github.com/zer0t0/CVE-2025-56383-Proof-of-Concept/issues/1"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://github.com/notepad-plus-plus/notepad-plus-plus"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://github.com/zer0t0/CVE-2025-56383-Proof-of-Concept"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.vicarius.io/vsociety/posts/cve-2025-56383-detect-notepad-vulnerability"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.vicarius.io/vsociety/posts/cve-2025-56383-mitigate-notepad-vulnerability"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:L/I:L/A:N",
"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.