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.
1874 vulnerabilities reference this CWE, most recent first.
GHSA-P92J-VQ8Q-93GG
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2025-12-09 18:30 – Updated: 2025-12-09 18:30Uncontrolled Search Path Element vulnerability in Yandex Messenger on MacOS allows Search Order Hijacking.This issue affects Telemost: before 2.245
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2025-5469"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-427"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2025-12-09T16:17:59Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Uncontrolled Search Path Element vulnerability in Yandex Messenger on MacOS allows Search Order Hijacking.This issue affects Telemost: before 2.245",
"id": "GHSA-p92j-vq8q-93gg",
"modified": "2025-12-09T18:30:37Z",
"published": "2025-12-09T18:30:37Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2025-5469"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://yandex.com/bugbounty/i/hall-of-fame-products"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:4.0/AV:L/AC:L/AT:P/PR:L/UI:N/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:H/SI:H/SA:H/E:P/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:Y/R:A/V:X/RE:X/U:X",
"type": "CVSS_V4"
}
]
}
GHSA-P96X-FW5C-MHR8
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2025-09-23 15:31 – Updated: 2025-09-23 15:31Uncontrolled Search Path Element vulnerability in Salesforce Salesforce CLI on Windows allows Replace Trusted Executable.This issue affects Salesforce CLI: before 2.106.6.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2025-9844"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-427"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2025-09-23T14:15:42Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Uncontrolled Search Path Element vulnerability in Salesforce Salesforce CLI on Windows allows Replace Trusted Executable.This issue affects Salesforce CLI: before 2.106.6.",
"id": "GHSA-p96x-fw5c-mhr8",
"modified": "2025-09-23T15:31:09Z",
"published": "2025-09-23T15:31:09Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2025-9844"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=005224301\u0026type=1"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-P9J6-7R4Q-R5HG
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2023-04-18 18:30 – Updated: 2024-04-04 03:32An Executable Hijacking condition exists in the Qualys Cloud Agent for Windows platform in versions before 4.5.3.1. Attackers may load a malicious copy of a Dependency Link Library (DLL) via a local attack vector instead of the DLL that the application was expecting, when processes are running with escalated privileges. This vulnerability is bounded only to the time of uninstallation and can only be exploited locally.
At the time of this disclosure, versions before 4.0 are classified as End of Life.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2023-28140"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-427"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2023-04-18T16:15:09Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "\nAn Executable Hijacking condition exists in the\nQualys Cloud Agent for Windows platform in versions before 4.5.3.1. Attackers\nmay load a malicious copy of a Dependency Link Library (DLL) via a local\nattack vector instead of the DLL that the application was expecting, when\nprocesses are running with escalated privileges. This vulnerability\nis bounded only to the time of uninstallation and can only be exploited\nlocally.\n\n\n\nAt the time of this disclosure, versions before 4.0 are classified as End of\nLife.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n",
"id": "GHSA-p9j6-7r4q-r5hg",
"modified": "2024-04-04T03:32:07Z",
"published": "2023-04-18T18:30:28Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2023-28140"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.qualys.com/security-advisories"
}
],
"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-PCG9-HHVC-MJJ6
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2025-02-20 03:32 – Updated: 2025-08-06 18:31An attacker can gain application privileges in order to perform limited modification and/or read arbitrary data in Citrix Secure Access Client for Mac
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2025-1223"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-427"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2025-02-20T01:15:09Z",
"severity": "MODERATE"
},
"details": "An attacker can gain application privileges in order to perform limited modification and/or read arbitrary data in\u00a0Citrix Secure Access Client for Mac",
"id": "GHSA-pcg9-hhvc-mjj6",
"modified": "2025-08-06T18:31:05Z",
"published": "2025-02-20T03:32:03Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2025-1223"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://support.citrix.com/s/article/CTX692679-citrix-secure-access-client-for-mac-security-bulletin-for-cve20251222-and-cve20251223?language=en_US"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:L/A:N",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
},
{
"score": "CVSS:4.0/AV:L/AC:L/AT:P/PR:L/UI:N/VC:L/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-PF62-QQ47-M25X
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-08-12 00:01 – Updated: 2022-08-12 00:01Adobe Premiere Elements version 2020v20 (and earlier) is affected by an Uncontrolled Search Path Element which could lead to Privilege Escalation. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to obtain admin using an existing low-privileged user. Exploitation of this issue does not require user interaction.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2022-34235"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-427"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2022-08-11T15:15:00Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Adobe Premiere Elements version 2020v20 (and earlier) is affected by an Uncontrolled Search Path Element which could lead to Privilege Escalation. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to obtain admin using an existing low-privileged user. Exploitation of this issue does not require user interaction.",
"id": "GHSA-pf62-qq47-m25x",
"modified": "2022-08-12T00:01:23Z",
"published": "2022-08-12T00:01:23Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2022-34235"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://helpx.adobe.com/security/products/premiere_elements/apsb22-43.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"
}
]
}
GHSA-PFQG-FQGC-5RC8
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2025-01-24 15:30 – Updated: 2025-01-24 15:30DLL hijacking vulnerabilities, caused by an uncontrolled search path in the CP210x VCP Windows
installer can lead to privilege escalation and arbitrary code execution when running the impacted installer.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2024-9495"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-427"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2025-01-24T15:15:11Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "DLL hijacking vulnerabilities, caused by an uncontrolled search path in the\u00a0CP210x VCP Windows \n\n\n\n installer can lead to privilege escalation and arbitrary code execution when running the impacted installer.",
"id": "GHSA-pfqg-fqgc-5rc8",
"modified": "2025-01-24T15:30:48Z",
"published": "2025-01-24T15:30:48Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2024-9495"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://community.silabs.com/068Vm00000JUQwd"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-PFVC-5MWQ-7QGG
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-24 17:12 – Updated: 2022-05-24 17:12Adobe Acrobat and Reader versions 2020.006.20034 and earlier, 2017.011.30158 and earlier, 2017.011.30158 and earlier, 2015.006.30510 and earlier, and 2015.006.30510 and earlier have an insecure library loading (dll hijacking) vulnerability. Successful exploitation could lead to privilege escalation.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2020-3803"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-426",
"CWE-427"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2020-03-25T18:15:00Z",
"severity": "MODERATE"
},
"details": "Adobe Acrobat and Reader versions 2020.006.20034 and earlier, 2017.011.30158 and earlier, 2017.011.30158 and earlier, 2015.006.30510 and earlier, and 2015.006.30510 and earlier have an insecure library loading (dll hijacking) vulnerability. Successful exploitation could lead to privilege escalation.",
"id": "GHSA-pfvc-5mwq-7qgg",
"modified": "2022-05-24T17:12:45Z",
"published": "2022-05-24T17:12:45Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2020-3803"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://helpx.adobe.com/security/products/acrobat/apsb20-13.html"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": []
}
GHSA-PGVC-MQPM-6X6G
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2023-02-01 06:30 – Updated: 2023-02-08 18:30Dell OpenManage Server Administrator (OMSA) version 10.3.0.0 and earlier contains a DLL Injection Vulnerability. A local low privileged authenticated attacker could potentially exploit this vulnerability, leading to the execution of arbitrary executable on the operating system with elevated privileges. Exploitation may lead to a complete system compromise.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2022-34396"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-427"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2023-02-01T06:15:00Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Dell OpenManage Server Administrator (OMSA) version 10.3.0.0 and earlier contains a DLL Injection Vulnerability. A local low privileged authenticated attacker could potentially exploit this vulnerability, leading to the execution of arbitrary executable on the operating system with elevated privileges. Exploitation may lead to a complete system compromise.",
"id": "GHSA-pgvc-mqpm-6x6g",
"modified": "2023-02-08T18:30:23Z",
"published": "2023-02-01T06:30:29Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2022-34396"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.dell.com/support/kbdoc/en-us/000206609/dsa-2022-321-dell-openmanage-server-administrator-omsa-security-update-for-dll-injection-vulnerability"
}
],
"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-PH2W-CX28-VHRQ
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2025-09-05 06:30 – Updated: 2025-09-05 21:08Uncontrolled search path element issue exists in TkEasyGUI versions prior to v1.0.22. If this vulnerability is exploited, arbitrary code may be executed with the privilege of running the program.
{
"affected": [
{
"package": {
"ecosystem": "PyPI",
"name": "TkEasyGUI"
},
"ranges": [
{
"events": [
{
"introduced": "0"
},
{
"fixed": "1.0.22"
}
],
"type": "ECOSYSTEM"
}
]
}
],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2025-55671"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-427"
],
"github_reviewed": true,
"github_reviewed_at": "2025-09-05T21:08:48Z",
"nvd_published_at": "2025-09-05T06:15:32Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Uncontrolled search path element issue exists in TkEasyGUI versions prior to v1.0.22. If this vulnerability is exploited, arbitrary code may be executed with the privilege of running the program.",
"id": "GHSA-ph2w-cx28-vhrq",
"modified": "2025-09-05T21:08:48Z",
"published": "2025-09-05T06:30:29Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2025-55671"
},
{
"type": "PACKAGE",
"url": "https://github.com/kujirahand/tkeasygui-python"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://github.com/kujirahand/tkeasygui-python/releases/tag/v1.0.22"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://jvn.jp/en/jp/JVN48739895"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.0/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/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:P/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N",
"type": "CVSS_V4"
}
],
"summary": "TkEasyGUI Affected by Uncontrolled Search Path Element Issue"
}
GHSA-PHG3-8RJ7-H8R5
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2026-04-02 18:31 – Updated: 2026-04-02 18:31Local privilege escalation due to DLL hijacking vulnerability. The following products are affected: Acronis True Image (Windows) before build 42902.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2026-27774"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-427"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2026-04-02T18:16:26Z",
"severity": "MODERATE"
},
"details": "Local privilege escalation due to DLL hijacking vulnerability. The following products are affected: Acronis True Image (Windows) before build 42902.",
"id": "GHSA-phg3-8rj7-h8r5",
"modified": "2026-04-02T18:31:38Z",
"published": "2026-04-02T18:31:38Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-27774"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://security-advisory.acronis.com/advisories/SEC-10057"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.0/AV:L/AC:H/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.