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-2JRP-X33G-47H4
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-24 17:44 – Updated: 2022-05-24 17:44Untrusted search path vulnerability in Installer of MagicConnect Client program distributed before 2021 March 1 allows an attacker to gain privileges and via a Trojan horse DLL in an unspecified directory and to execute arbitrary code with the privilege of the user invoking the installer when a terminal is connected remotely using Remote desktop.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2021-20674"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-427"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2021-03-12T02:15:00Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Untrusted search path vulnerability in Installer of MagicConnect Client program distributed before 2021 March 1 allows an attacker to gain privileges and via a Trojan horse DLL in an unspecified directory and to execute arbitrary code with the privilege of the user invoking the installer when a terminal is connected remotely using Remote desktop.",
"id": "GHSA-2jrp-x33g-47h4",
"modified": "2022-05-24T17:44:28Z",
"published": "2022-05-24T17:44:28Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2021-20674"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://jvn.jp/en/jp/JVN18056666/index.html"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.magicconnect.net/information/202103110900-2"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": []
}
GHSA-2M77-R88P-X375
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2024-07-31 09:30 – Updated: 2024-07-31 09:30Dell Peripheral Manager, versions prior to 1.7.6, contain an uncontrolled search path element vulnerability. An attacker could potentially exploit this vulnerability through preloading malicious DLL or symbolic link exploitation, leading to arbitrary code execution and escalation of privilege
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2024-32857"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-427"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2024-07-31T09:15:03Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Dell Peripheral Manager, versions prior to 1.7.6, contain an uncontrolled search path element vulnerability. An attacker could potentially exploit this vulnerability through preloading malicious DLL or symbolic link exploitation, leading to arbitrary code execution and escalation of privilege",
"id": "GHSA-2m77-r88p-x375",
"modified": "2024-07-31T09:30:50Z",
"published": "2024-07-31T09:30:50Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2024-32857"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.dell.com/support/kbdoc/en-us/000225474/dsa-2024-242"
}
],
"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-2MPX-HG3Q-3WQ8
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2025-02-11 21:32 – Updated: 2025-02-11 21:32A DLL hijacking vulnerability in AMD Integrated Management Technology (AIM-T) Manageability Service could allow an attacker to achieve privilege escalation potentially resulting in arbitrary code execution.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2023-31361"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-427"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2025-02-11T20:15:33Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "A DLL hijacking vulnerability in AMD Integrated Management Technology (AIM-T) Manageability Service could allow an attacker to achieve privilege escalation potentially resulting in arbitrary code execution.",
"id": "GHSA-2mpx-hg3q-3wq8",
"modified": "2025-02-11T21:32:06Z",
"published": "2025-02-11T21:32:06Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2023-31361"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.amd.com/en/resources/product-security/bulletin/amd-sb-9012.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-2MR2-H34M-MPR7
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2025-06-17 18:31 – Updated: 2025-06-17 18:31IBM i 7.2, 7.3, 7.4, 7.5, and 7.6 could allow a user to gain elevated privileges due to an unqualified library call in IBM Advanced Job Scheduler for i. A malicious actor could cause user-controlled code to run with administrator privilege.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2025-33122"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-427"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2025-06-17T18:15:25Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "IBM i 7.2, 7.3, 7.4, 7.5, and 7.6 could allow a user to gain elevated privileges due to an unqualified library call in IBM Advanced Job Scheduler for i. A malicious actor could cause user-controlled code to run with administrator privilege.",
"id": "GHSA-2mr2-h34m-mpr7",
"modified": "2025-06-17T18:31:37Z",
"published": "2025-06-17T18:31:37Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2025-33122"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/node/7237040"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-2P55-VR4G-QM2R
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-09-14 00:00 – Updated: 2022-09-18 00:00Genymotion Desktop v3.2.1 was discovered to contain a DLL hijacking vulnerability which allows attackers to escalate privileges and execute arbitrary code via a crafted binary.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2022-38633"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-427"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2022-09-13T22:15:00Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Genymotion Desktop v3.2.1 was discovered to contain a DLL hijacking vulnerability which allows attackers to escalate privileges and execute arbitrary code via a crafted binary.",
"id": "GHSA-2p55-vr4g-qm2r",
"modified": "2022-09-18T00:00:34Z",
"published": "2022-09-14T00:00:41Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2022-38633"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://github.com/SaumyajeetDas/Vulnerability/blob/main/Genymotion/GenymotionDesktop.md"
}
],
"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-2PHJ-RV58-QQ6M
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2026-01-23 06:31 – Updated: 2026-01-23 06:31Discord Client Uncontrolled Search Path Element Local Privilege Escalation Vulnerability. This vulnerability allows local attackers to escalate privileges on affected installations of Discord Client. An attacker must first obtain the ability to execute low-privileged code on the target system in order to exploit this vulnerability.
The specific flaw exists within the discord_rpc module. The product loads a file from an unsecured location. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges and execute arbitrary code in the context of a target user. Was ZDI-CAN-27057.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2026-0776"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-427"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2026-01-23T04:16:04Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Discord Client Uncontrolled Search Path Element Local Privilege Escalation Vulnerability. This vulnerability allows local attackers to escalate privileges on affected installations of Discord Client. An attacker must first obtain the ability to execute low-privileged code on the target system in order to exploit this vulnerability.\n\nThe specific flaw exists within the discord_rpc module. The product loads a file from an unsecured location. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges and execute arbitrary code in the context of a target user. Was ZDI-CAN-27057.",
"id": "GHSA-2phj-rv58-qq6m",
"modified": "2026-01-23T06:31:24Z",
"published": "2026-01-23T06:31:24Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-0776"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.zerodayinitiative.com/advisories/ZDI-26-040"
}
],
"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-2PMM-W9V7-R79X
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2023-10-11 18:30 – Updated: 2024-04-04 08:34It is possible to sideload a compromised DLL during the installation at elevated privilege.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2023-4936"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-269",
"CWE-427"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2023-10-11T17:15:11Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "It is possible to sideload a compromised DLL during the installation at elevated privilege.",
"id": "GHSA-2pmm-w9v7-r79x",
"modified": "2024-04-04T08:34:28Z",
"published": "2023-10-11T18:30:39Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2023-4936"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.synaptics.com"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.synaptics.com/products/displaylink-graphics/downloads/windows"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.synaptics.com/sites/default/files/nr-154525-tc-synaptics_displaylink_windows_driver_security_brief_-_oct2023.pdf"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:H/PR:L/UI:R/S:U/C:L/I:H/A:L",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-2PWR-M875-CVC9
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2023-05-10 15:30 – Updated: 2024-04-04 04:00Uncontrolled search path in some Intel(R) Pathfinder for RISC-V software may allow an authenticated user to potentially enable escalation of privilege via local access.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2023-27386"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-427",
"CWE-428"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2023-05-10T14:15:32Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Uncontrolled search path in some Intel(R) Pathfinder for RISC-V software may allow an authenticated user to potentially enable escalation of privilege via local access.",
"id": "GHSA-2pwr-m875-cvc9",
"modified": "2024-04-04T04:00:55Z",
"published": "2023-05-10T15:30:22Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2023-27386"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/security-center/advisory/intel-sa-00855.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-2QRQ-V847-3JWG
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2024-05-16 21:32 – Updated: 2024-05-16 21:32Uncontrolled search path in some Intel(R) DSA software uninstallers before version 23.4.39.10 may allow an authenticated user to potentially enable escalation of privilege via local access.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2023-45743"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-427"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2024-05-16T21:15:58Z",
"severity": "MODERATE"
},
"details": "Uncontrolled search path in some Intel(R) DSA software uninstallers before version 23.4.39.10 may allow an authenticated user to potentially enable escalation of privilege via local access.",
"id": "GHSA-2qrq-v847-3jwg",
"modified": "2024-05-16T21:32:00Z",
"published": "2024-05-16T21:32:00Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2023-45743"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/security-center/advisory/intel-sa-01031.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-2QX7-2CPX-52Q5
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-24 19:18 – Updated: 2022-05-24 19:18An uncontrolled search path element vulnerabilities in Trend Micro Apex One and Apex One as a Service could allow a local attacker to escalate privileges on affected installations. An attacker must first obtain the ability to execute low-privileged code on the target system in order to exploit this vulnerability. This vulnerability is similar but not identical to CVE-2021-42103.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2021-42101"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-427"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2021-10-21T08:15:00Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "An uncontrolled search path element vulnerabilities in Trend Micro Apex One and Apex One as a Service could allow a local attacker to escalate privileges on affected installations. An attacker must first obtain the ability to execute low-privileged code on the target system in order to exploit this vulnerability. This vulnerability is similar but not identical to CVE-2021-42103.",
"id": "GHSA-2qx7-2cpx-52q5",
"modified": "2022-05-24T19:18:29Z",
"published": "2022-05-24T19:18:29Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2021-42101"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://success.trendmicro.com/solution/000289229"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.zerodayinitiative.com/advisories/ZDI-21-1219"
}
],
"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.