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.
1784 vulnerabilities reference this CWE, most recent first.
GHSA-QC67-FV9P-FPX5
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2023-11-14 21:31 – Updated: 2023-11-14 21:31Uncontrolled search path in some Intel(R) OFU software before version 14.1.31 may allow an authenticated user to potentially enable escalation of privilege via local access.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2023-29161"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-427"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2023-11-14T19:15:23Z",
"severity": "MODERATE"
},
"details": "Uncontrolled search path in some Intel(R) OFU software before version 14.1.31 may allow an authenticated user to potentially enable escalation of privilege via local access.",
"id": "GHSA-qc67-fv9p-fpx5",
"modified": "2023-11-14T21:31:01Z",
"published": "2023-11-14T21:31:01Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2023-29161"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/security-center/advisory/intel-sa-00900.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-QCG3-VXVH-47MJ
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-24 19:19 – Updated: 2022-05-24 19:19Delta Electronics DIALink versions 1.2.4.0 and prior insecurely loads libraries, which may allow an attacker to use DLL hijacking and takeover the system where the software is installed.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2021-38416"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"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 insecurely loads libraries, which may allow an attacker to use DLL hijacking and takeover the system where the software is installed.",
"id": "GHSA-qcg3-vxvh-47mj",
"modified": "2022-05-24T19:19:31Z",
"published": "2022-05-24T19:19:31Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2021-38416"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://us-cert.cisa.gov/ics/advisories/icsa-21-294-02"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": []
}
GHSA-QCGM-QMR8-52WW
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2026-05-06 18:30 – Updated: 2026-05-06 18:30Uncontrolled Search Path Element vulnerability in JohnsonControls AC2000 on Windows allows Leveraging/Manipulating Configuration File Search Paths.
This issue affects AC2000: from 10.6 before release 10, from 11.0 before release 9, from 12 before release 3.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2026-21661"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-427"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2026-05-06T17:16:21Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Uncontrolled Search Path Element vulnerability in JohnsonControls AC2000 on Windows allows Leveraging/Manipulating Configuration File Search Paths.\n\nThis issue affects AC2000: from 10.6 before release 10, from 11.0 before release 9, from 12 before release 3.",
"id": "GHSA-qcgm-qmr8-52ww",
"modified": "2026-05-06T18:30:31Z",
"published": "2026-05-06T18:30:31Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-21661"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.johnsoncontrols.com/trust-center/cybersecurity/security-advisories"
}
],
"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:L/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-QCRG-F64C-FRQC
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2024-08-14 15:31 – Updated: 2024-08-14 15:31Uncontrolled search path in some Intel(R) GPA software before version 2024.1 may allow an authenticated user to potentially enable escalation of privilege via local access.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2024-28046"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-427"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2024-08-14T14:15:24Z",
"severity": "MODERATE"
},
"details": "Uncontrolled search path in some Intel(R) GPA software before version 2024.1 may allow an authenticated user to potentially enable escalation of privilege via local access.",
"id": "GHSA-qcrg-f64c-frqc",
"modified": "2024-08-14T15:31:16Z",
"published": "2024-08-14T15:31:16Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2024-28046"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/security-center/advisory/intel-sa-01105.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-QF49-WHR3-4C4F
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-24 17:01 – Updated: 2024-04-04 02:39Adobe Illustrator CC versions 23.1 and earlier have an insecure library loading (dll hijacking) vulnerability. Successful exploitation could lead to privilege escalation.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2019-7962"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-426",
"CWE-427"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2019-11-14T16:15:00Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Adobe Illustrator CC versions 23.1 and earlier have an insecure library loading (dll hijacking) vulnerability. Successful exploitation could lead to privilege escalation.",
"id": "GHSA-qf49-whr3-4c4f",
"modified": "2024-04-04T02:39:47Z",
"published": "2022-05-24T17:01:20Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2019-7962"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://helpx.adobe.com/security/products/illustrator/apsb19-36.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-QF8V-CVHW-6694
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-13 01:05 – Updated: 2022-05-13 01:05Quick Heal Total Security 64 bit 17.00 (QHTS64.exe), (QHTSFT64.exe) - Version 10.0.1.38; Quick Heal Total Security 32 bit 17.00 (QHTS32.exe), (QHTSFT32.exe) - Version 10.0.1.38; Quick Heal Internet Security 64 bit 17.00 (QHIS64.exe), (QHISFT64.exe) - Version 10.0.0.37; Quick Heal Internet Security 32 bit 17.00 (QHIS32.exe), (QHISFT32.exe) - Version 10.0.0.37; Quick Heal AntiVirus Pro 64 bit 17.00 (QHAV64.exe), (QHAVFT64.exe) - Version 10.0.0.37; and Quick Heal AntiVirus Pro 32 bit 17.00 (QHAV32.exe), (QHAVFT32.exe) - Version 10.0.0.37 allow DLL Hijacking because of Insecure Library Loading.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2018-8090"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-427"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2018-07-25T23:29:00Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Quick Heal Total Security 64 bit 17.00 (QHTS64.exe), (QHTSFT64.exe) - Version 10.0.1.38; Quick Heal Total Security 32 bit 17.00 (QHTS32.exe), (QHTSFT32.exe) - Version 10.0.1.38; Quick Heal Internet Security 64 bit 17.00 (QHIS64.exe), (QHISFT64.exe) - Version 10.0.0.37; Quick Heal Internet Security 32 bit 17.00 (QHIS32.exe), (QHISFT32.exe) - Version 10.0.0.37; Quick Heal AntiVirus Pro 64 bit 17.00 (QHAV64.exe), (QHAVFT64.exe) - Version 10.0.0.37; and Quick Heal AntiVirus Pro 32 bit 17.00 (QHAV32.exe), (QHAVFT32.exe) - Version 10.0.0.37 allow DLL Hijacking because of Insecure Library Loading.",
"id": "GHSA-qf8v-cvhw-6694",
"modified": "2022-05-13T01:05:57Z",
"published": "2022-05-13T01:05:57Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2018-8090"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://github.com/kernelm0de/CVE-2018-8090"
}
],
"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-QF9F-H9QG-64HX
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2024-10-11 18:32 – Updated: 2024-10-11 18:32A DLL hijack vulnerability was reported in Lenovo Super File that could allow a local attacker to execute code with elevated privileges.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2024-4089"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-427"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2024-10-11T16:15:13Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "A DLL hijack vulnerability was reported in Lenovo Super File that could allow a local attacker to execute code with elevated privileges.",
"id": "GHSA-qf9f-h9qg-64hx",
"modified": "2024-10-11T18:32:50Z",
"published": "2024-10-11T18:32:49Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2024-4089"
},
{
"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-QGH2-4V7G-2CMC
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2026-06-03 21:30 – Updated: 2026-06-03 21:30Local privilege escalation due to EXE hijacking vulnerability. The following products are affected: Acronis DeviceLock DLP (Windows) before build 9.0.15051.93227.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2026-44609"
],
"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 EXE hijacking vulnerability. The following products are affected: Acronis DeviceLock DLP (Windows) before build 9.0.15051.93227.",
"id": "GHSA-qgh2-4v7g-2cmc",
"modified": "2026-06-03T21:30:31Z",
"published": "2026-06-03T21:30:31Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-44609"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://security-advisory.acronis.com/advisories/SEC-3084"
}
],
"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-QGRP-JMM8-2JMF
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2023-12-12 09:30 – Updated: 2023-12-12 09:30Local privilege escalation due to DLL hijacking vulnerability. The following products are affected: Acronis Cyber Protect Home Office (Windows) before build 40901.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2023-48677"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-427"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2023-12-12T09:15:08Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Local privilege escalation due to DLL hijacking vulnerability. The following products are affected: Acronis Cyber Protect Home Office (Windows) before build 40901.",
"id": "GHSA-qgrp-jmm8-2jmf",
"modified": "2023-12-12T09:30:33Z",
"published": "2023-12-12T09:30:33Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2023-48677"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://security-advisory.acronis.com/advisories/SEC-5620"
}
],
"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-QH47-RVFF-GGV7
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-24 16:52 – Updated: 2023-01-31 21:30Multiple binaries in IBM SDK, Java Technology Edition 7, 7R, and 8 on the AIX platform use insecure absolute RPATHs, which may facilitate code injection and privilege elevation by local users. IBM X-Force ID: 163984.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2019-4473"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-427"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2019-08-05T14:15:00Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Multiple binaries in IBM SDK, Java Technology Edition 7, 7R, and 8 on the AIX platform use insecure absolute RPATHs, which may facilitate code injection and privilege elevation by local users. IBM X-Force ID: 163984.",
"id": "GHSA-qh47-rvff-ggv7",
"modified": "2023-01-31T21:30:17Z",
"published": "2022-05-24T16:52:33Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2019-4473"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://exchange.xforce.ibmcloud.com/vulnerabilities/163984"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.ibm.com/support/docview.wss?uid=ibm10960422"
}
],
"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"
}
]
}
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.