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CWE-427

Uncontrolled Search Path Element

BaseDraftSimple116 CVEs
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.

Extended description

Although this weakness can occur with any type of resource, it is frequently introduced when a product uses a directory search path to find executables or code libraries, but the path contains a directory that can be modified by an attacker, such as "/tmp" or the current working directory. In Windows-based systems, when the LoadLibrary or LoadLibraryEx function is called with a DLL name that does not contain a fully qualified path, the function follows a search order that includes two path elements that might be uncontrolled: the directory from which the program has been loaded the current working directory In some cases, the attack can be conducted remotely, such as when SMB or WebDAV network shares are used. One or more locations in that path could include the Windows drive root or its subdirectories. This often exists in Linux-based code assuming the controlled nature of the root directory (/) or its subdirectories (/etc, etc), or a code that recursively accesses the parent directory. In Windows, the drive root and some of its subdirectories have weak permissions by default, which makes them uncontrolled. In some Unix-based systems, a PATH might be created that contains an empty element, e.g. by splicing an empty variable into the PATH. This empty element can be interpreted as equivalent to the current working directory, which might be an untrusted search element. In software package management frameworks (e.g., npm, RubyGems, or PyPi), the framework may identify dependencies on third-party libraries or other packages, then consult a repository that contains the desired package. The framework may search a public repository before a private repository. This could be exploited by attackers by placing a malicious package in the public repository that has the same name as a package from the private repository. The search path might not be directly under control of the developer relying on the framework, but this search order effectively contains an untrusted element.

Common consequences1

  • ConfidentialityIntegrityAvailabilityExecute Unauthorized Code or Commands

Potential mitigations5

  1. Architecture and DesignImplementation

    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.

  2. Implementation

    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.

  3. Implementation

    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.

  4. Implementation

    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.

  5. Implementation

    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.

Relationships2

CVEs referencing this CWE116

CVEDescriptionSeverityEPSSFlagsModified
CVE-2020-27955

Git LFS 2.12.0 allows Remote Code Execution.

CRITICAL9.8
83%p100
Weaponized
2024-11-21
CVE-2017-6517

Microsoft Skype 7.16.0.102 contains a vulnerability that could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to execute arbitrary code on the targeted system. This vulnerability exists due to the way .dll files are loaded by Skype. It allows an attacker to load a .dll of the attacker's choosing that could execute arbitrary code without the user's knowledge.The specific flaw exists within the handling of DLL (api-ms-win-core-winrt-string-l1-1-0.dll) loading by the Skype.exe process.

NONE
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CVE-2020-3153

A vulnerability in the installer component of Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client for Windows could allow an authenticated local attacker to copy user-supplied files to system level directories with system level privileges. The vulnerability is due to the incorrect handling of directory paths. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by creating a malicious file and copying the file to a system directory. An exploit could allow the attacker to copy malicious files to arbitrary locations with system level privileges. This could include DLL pre-loading, DLL hijacking, and other related attacks. To exploit this vulnerability, the attacker needs valid credentials on the Windows system.

MEDIUM6.5
28%p98
KEV+RWeaponized
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HIGH7.8
20%p97
Weaponized
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HIGH7.8
13%p96
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CVE-2020-3433

A vulnerability in the interprocess communication (IPC) channel of Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client for Windows could allow an authenticated, local attacker to perform a DLL hijacking attack. To exploit this vulnerability, the attacker would need to have valid credentials on the Windows system. The vulnerability is due to insufficient validation of resources that are loaded by the application at run time. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by sending a crafted IPC message to the AnyConnect process. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to execute arbitrary code on the affected machine with SYSTEM privileges. To exploit this vulnerability, the attacker would need to have valid credentials on the Windows system.

HIGH7.8
10%p95
KEV+RWeaponized
2025-10-28
CVE-2022-2334

The application searches for a library dll that is not found. If an attacker can place a dll with this name, then the attacker can leverage it to execute arbitrary code on the targeted Softing Secure Integration Server V1.22.

HIGH7.2
9.50%p95
Weaponized
2025-04-16
CVE-2019-5526

VMware Workstation (15.x before 15.1.0) contains a DLL hijacking issue because some DLL files are improperly loaded by the application. Successful exploitation of this issue may allow attackers with normal user privileges to escalate their privileges to administrator on a windows host where Workstation is installed.

NONE
9.21%p95
Functional
2024-11-21
CVE-2017-3092

Adobe Digital Editions versions 4.5.4 and earlier contain an insecure library loading vulnerability. The vulnerability is due to unsafe library loading of editor control library functions in the installer plugin. A successful exploitation could lead to arbitrary code execution.

NONE
8.50%p94
2026-05-13
CVE-2017-3090

Adobe Digital Editions versions 4.5.4 and earlier contain an insecure library loading vulnerability. The vulnerability is due to unsafe library loading of browser related library extensions in the installer plugin. A successful exploitation could lead to arbitrary code execution.

NONE
8.50%p94
2026-05-13
CVE-2014-8393

DLL Hijacking vulnerability in CorelDRAW X7, Corel Photo-Paint X7, Corel PaintShop Pro X7, Corel Painter 2015, and Corel PDF Fusion.

NONE
8.34%p94
Functional
2026-05-13
CVE-2017-3097

Adobe Digital Editions versions 4.5.4 and earlier contain an insecure library loading vulnerability. The vulnerability is due to unsafe library loading functions in the installer plugin. A successful exploitation could lead to arbitrary code execution.

NONE
7.12%p93
2026-05-13
CVE-2024-48992

Qualys discovered that needrestart, before version 3.8, allows local attackers to execute arbitrary code as root by tricking needrestart into running the Ruby interpreter with an attacker-controlled RUBYLIB environment variable.

HIGH7.8
6.61%p93
2025-11-03
CVE-2021-3115

Go before 1.14.14 and 1.15.x before 1.15.7 on Windows is vulnerable to Command Injection and remote code execution when using the "go get" command to fetch modules that make use of cgo (for example, cgo can execute a gcc program from an untrusted download).

HIGH7.5
6.45%p93
2024-11-21
CVE-2018-15976

Adobe Technical Communications Suite versions 1.0.5.1 and below have an insecure library loading (dll hijacking) vulnerability. Successful exploitation could lead to privilege escalation.

NONE
5.37%p92
2024-11-21
CVE-2022-23050

ManageEngine AppManager15 (Build No:15510) allows an authenticated admin user to upload a DLL file to perform a DLL hijack attack inside the 'working' folder through the 'Upload Files / Binaries' functionality.

HIGH7.2
4.65%p91
2024-11-21
CVE-2019-20358

Trend Micro Anti-Threat Toolkit (ATTK) versions 1.62.0.1218 and below have a vulnerability that may allow an attacker to place malicious files in the same directory, potentially leading to arbitrary remote code execution (RCE) when executed. Another attack vector similar to CVE-2019-9491 was idenitfied and resolved in version 1.62.0.1228 of the tool.

HIGH7.8
4.62%p90
2024-11-21
CVE-2018-12805

Adobe Connect versions 9.7.5 and earlier have an Insecure Library Loading vulnerability. Successful exploitation could lead to privilege escalation.

NONE
4.13%p90
2024-11-21
CVE-2019-8076

Adobe application manager installer version 10.0 have an Insecure Library Loading (DLL hijacking) vulnerability. Successful exploitation could lead to Arbitrary Code Execution in the context of the current user.

HIGH7.8
4.11%p89
2024-11-21
CVE-2021-30359

The Harmony Browse and the SandBlast Agent for Browsers installers must have admin privileges to execute some steps during the installation. Because the MS Installer allows regular users to repair their installation, an attacker running an installer before 90.08.7405 can start the installation repair and place a specially crafted binary in the repair folder, which runs with the admin privileges.

HIGH7.8
3.93%p89
2024-11-21
CVE-2022-21668

pipenv is a Python development workflow tool. Starting with version 2018.10.9 and prior to version 2022.1.8, a flaw in pipenv's parsing of requirements files allows an attacker to insert a specially crafted string inside a comment anywhere within a requirements.txt file, which will cause victims who use pipenv to install the requirements file to download dependencies from a package index server controlled by the attacker. By embedding malicious code in packages served from their malicious index server, the attacker can trigger arbitrary remote code execution (RCE) on the victims' systems. If an attacker is able to hide a malicious `--index-url` option in a requirements file that a victim installs with pipenv, the attacker can embed arbitrary malicious code in packages served from their malicious index server that will be executed on the victim's host during installation (remote code execution/RCE). When pip installs from a source distribution, any code in the setup.py is executed by the install process. This issue is patched in version 2022.1.8. The GitHub Security Advisory contains more information about this vulnerability.

HIGH8.6
3.87%p89
PoC
2024-11-21
CVE-2019-7870

Adobe Character Animator versions 2.1 and earlier have an insecure library loading (dll hijacking) vulnerability. Successful exploitation could lead to arbitrary code execution.

NONE
3.83%p89
2024-11-21
CVE-2017-3013

Adobe Acrobat Reader versions 11.0.19 and earlier, 15.006.30280 and earlier, 15.023.20070 and earlier have an insecure library loading (DLL hijacking) vulnerability in a DLL related to remote logging.

NONE
3.41%p87
2026-05-13
CVE-2019-9634

Go through 1.12 on Windows misuses certain LoadLibrary functionality, leading to DLL injection.

HIGH7.8
3.33%p87
2024-11-21
CVE-2019-7956

Adobe Dreamweaver direct download installer versions 19.0 and below, 18.0 and below have an Insecure Library Loading (DLL hijacking) vulnerability. Successful exploitation could lead to Privilege Escalation in the context of the current user.

NONE
3.28%p87
2024-11-21
CVE-2019-7093

Creative Cloud Desktop Application (installer) versions 4.7.0.400 and earlier have an insecure library loading (dll hijacking) vulnerability. Successful exploitation could lead to privilege escalation.

NONE
3.28%p87
2024-11-21
CVE-2019-8062

Adobe After Effects versions 16 and earlier have an insecure library loading (dll hijacking) vulnerability. Successful exploitation could lead to arbitrary code execution.

HIGH7.8
3.21%p86
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CVE-2019-7931

Adobe Premiere Pro CC versions 13.1.2 and earlier have an insecure library loading (dll hijacking) vulnerability. Successful exploitation could lead to arbitrary code execution.

NONE
3.15%p86
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CVE-2019-7961

Adobe Prelude CC versions 8.1 and earlier have an insecure library loading (dll hijacking) vulnerability. Successful exploitation could lead to arbitrary code execution.

NONE
3.03%p86
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CVE-2022-0166

A privilege escalation vulnerability in the McAfee Agent prior to 5.7.5. McAfee Agent uses openssl.cnf during the build process to specify the OPENSSLDIR variable as a subdirectory within the installation directory. A low privilege user could have created subdirectories and executed arbitrary code with SYSTEM privileges by creating the appropriate pathway to the specifically created malicious openssl.cnf file.

HIGH7.8
2.97%p85
2024-11-21
CVE-2020-24422

Adobe Creative Cloud Desktop Application version 5.2 (and earlier) and 2.1 (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.

HIGH7.8
2.95%p85
2024-11-21
CVE-2020-10515

STARFACE UCC Client before 6.7.1.204 on WIndows allows binary planting to execute code with System rights, aka usd-2020-0006.

CRITICAL9.8
2.87%p85
2024-11-21
CVE-2017-3012

Adobe Acrobat Reader versions 11.0.19 and earlier, 15.006.30280 and earlier, 15.023.20070 and earlier have an insecure library loading (DLL hijacking) vulnerability in the OCR plugin.

NONE
2.82%p85
2026-05-13
CVE-2022-38395

HP Support Assistant uses HP Performance Tune-up as a diagnostic tool. HP Support Assistant uses Fusion to launch HP Performance Tune-up. It is possible for an attacker to exploit the DLL hijacking vulnerability and elevate privileges when Fusion launches the HP Performance Tune-up.

HIGH7.8
2.80%p85
2025-04-29
CVE-2021-28595

Adobe Dimension version 3.4 (and earlier) is affected by an Uncontrolled Search Path Element element. An unauthenticated attacker could leverage this vulnerability to achieve 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.

HIGH7.8
2.79%p85
2025-04-23
CVE-2018-7799

A DLL hijacking vulnerability exists in Schneider Electric Software Update (SESU), all versions prior to V2.2.0, which could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code on the targeted system when placing a specific DLL file.

NONE
2.79%p85
2024-11-21
CVE-2019-9546

SolarWinds Orion Platform before 2018.4 Hotfix 2 allows privilege escalation through the RabbitMQ service.

NONE
2.78%p84
2024-11-21
CVE-2020-9724

Adobe Lightroom versions 9.2.0.10 and earlier have an insecure library loading vulnerability. Successful exploitation could lead to privilege escalation.

HIGH7.8
2.74%p84
2024-11-21
CVE-2021-28594

Adobe Creative Cloud Desktop Application (installer) version 2.4 (and earlier) is affected by an Uncontrolled Search Path Element vulnerability. An unauthenticated attacker could leverage this vulnerability to achieve 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.

HIGH7.8
2.69%p84
2024-11-21
CVE-2020-15663

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 < 80, Thunderbird < 78.2, Thunderbird < 68.12, Firefox ESR < 68.12, and Firefox ESR < 78.2.

HIGH8.8
2.60%p83
2024-11-21
CVE-2021-21010

InCopy version 15.1.1 (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.

HIGH7.0
2.49%p83
2024-11-21
CVE-2017-12717

An Uncontrolled Search Path Element issue was discovered in Advantech WebAccess versions prior to V8.2_20170817. A maliciously crafted dll file placed earlier in the search path may allow an attacker to execute code within the context of the application.

NONE
2.44%p82
2026-05-13
CVE-2017-7966

A DLL Hijacking vulnerability in the programming software in Schneider Electric's SoMachine HVAC v2.1.0 allows a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code on the targeted system. The vulnerability exists due to the improper loading of a DLL.

NONE
2.44%p82
2026-05-13
CVE-2021-21008

Adobe Animate version 21.0 (and earlier) is affected by an uncontrolled search path element 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.

HIGH7.0
2.35%p81
2025-04-23
CVE-2019-7653

The Debian python-rdflib-tools 4.2.2-1 package for RDFLib 4.2.2 has CLI tools that can load Python modules from the current working directory, allowing code injection, because "python -m" looks in this directory, as demonstrated by rdf2dot. This issue is specific to use of the debian/scripts directory.

CRITICAL9.8
2.26%p81
2024-11-21
CVE-2020-14349

It was found that PostgreSQL versions before 12.4, before 11.9 and before 10.14 did not properly sanitize the search_path during logical replication. An authenticated attacker could use this flaw in an attack similar to CVE-2018-1058, in order to execute arbitrary SQL command in the context of the user used for replication.

HIGH7.1
2.24%p80
2024-11-21
CVE-2019-1855

A vulnerability in the loading mechanism of specific dynamic link libraries in Cisco Jabber for Windows could allow an authenticated, local attacker to perform a DLL preloading attack. To exploit this vulnerability, the attacker would need to have valid credentials on the Windows system. The vulnerability is due to insufficient validation of the resources loaded by the application at run time. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by crafting a malicious DLL file and placing it in a specific location on the targeted system. The malicious DLL file would execute when the Jabber application launches. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to execute arbitrary code on the target machine with the privileges of another user's account.

HIGH7.3
2.20%p80
2024-11-21
CVE-2022-23202

Adobe Creative Cloud Desktop version 2.7.0.13 (and earlier) is affected by an Uncontrolled Search Path Element 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 download a malicious DLL file. The attacker has to deliver the DLL on the same folder as the installer which makes it as a high complexity attack vector.

HIGH7.0
2.17%p80
2025-04-23
CVE-2021-28636

Acrobat Reader DC versions 2021.005.20054 (and earlier), 2020.004.30005 (and earlier) and 2017.011.30197 (and earlier) are affected by an Uncontrolled Search Path Element vulnerability. An attacker with access to the victim's C:/ folder could leverage this vulnerability to achieve 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.

HIGH7.3
2.15%p80
2024-11-21
CVE-2021-21007

Adobe Illustrator version 25.0 (and earlier) is affected by an uncontrolled search path element 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.

HIGH7.0
2.15%p80
2025-04-23
CVE-2017-1000010

Audacity 2.1.2 through 2.3.2 is vulnerable to Dll HIjacking in the avformat-55.dll resulting arbitrary code execution.

HIGH7.8
2.14%p80
2026-05-13
CVE-2019-12280

PC-Doctor Toolbox before 7.3 has an Uncontrolled Search Path Element.

NONE
2.09%p79
2024-11-21
CVE-2017-14010

In SpiderControl MicroBrowser Windows XP, Vista 7, 8 and 10, Versions 1.6.30.144 and prior, an uncontrolled search path element vulnerability has been identified which could be exploited by placing a specially crafted DLL file in the search path. If the malicious DLL is loaded prior to the valid DLL, an attacker could execute arbitrary code on the system.

NONE
2.04%p79
2024-11-21
CVE-2021-21011

Adobe Captivate 2019 version 11.5.1.499 (and earlier) is affected by an uncontrolled search path element vulnerability that could lead to privilege escalation. An attacker with permissions to write to the file system could leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges.

HIGH7.0
2.03%p79
2025-04-23
CVE-2017-12653

360 Total Security 9.0.0.1202 before 2017-07-07 allows Privilege Escalation via a Trojan horse Shcore.dll file in any directory in the PATH, as demonstrated by the C:\Python27 directory.

NONE
1.98%p78
PoC
2026-05-13
CVE-2021-3840

A dependency confusion vulnerability was reported in the Antilles open-source software prior to version 1.0.1 that could allow for remote code execution during installation due to a package listed in requirements.txt not existing in the public package index (PyPi). MITRE classifies this weakness as an Uncontrolled Search Path Element (CWE-427) in which a private package dependency may be replaced by an unauthorized package of the same name published to a well-known public repository such as PyPi. The configuration has been updated to only install components built by Antilles, removing all other public package indexes. Additionally, the antilles-tools dependency has been published to PyPi.

HIGH8.8
1.97%p78
2024-11-21
CVE-2019-7364

DLL preloading vulnerability in versions 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020 of Autodesk Advanced Steel, Civil 3D, AutoCAD, AutoCAD LT, AutoCAD Architecture, AutoCAD Electrical, AutoCAD Map 3D, AutoCAD Mechanical, AutoCAD MEP, AutoCAD Plant 3D and version 2017 of AutoCAD P&ID. An attacker may trick a user into opening a malicious DWG file that may leverage a DLL preloading vulnerability in AutoCAD which may result in code execution.

NONE
1.89%p77
2024-11-21
CVE-2020-24578

An issue was discovered on D-Link DSL-2888A devices with firmware prior to AU_2.31_V1.1.47ae55. It has a misconfigured FTP service that allows a malicious network user to access system folders and download sensitive files (such as the password hash file).

MEDIUM6.5
1.85%p76
2024-11-21
CVE-2019-14688

Trend Micro has repackaged installers for several Trend Micro products that were found to utilize a version of an install package that had a DLL hijack vulnerability that could be exploited during a new product installation. The vulnerability was found to ONLY be exploitable during an initial product installation by an authorized user. The attacker must convince the target to download malicious DLL locally which must be present when the installer is run.

HIGH7.0
1.83%p76
2024-11-21
CVE-2019-12133

Multiple Zoho ManageEngine products suffer from local privilege escalation due to improper permissions for the %SYSTEMDRIVE%\ManageEngine directory and its sub-folders. Moreover, the services associated with said products try to execute binaries such as sc.exe from the current directory upon system start. This will effectively allow non-privileged users to escalate privileges to NT AUTHORITY\SYSTEM. This affects Desktop Central 10.0.380, EventLog Analyzer 12.0.2, ServiceDesk Plus 10.0.0, SupportCenter Plus 8.1, O365 Manager Plus 4.0, Mobile Device Manager Plus 9.0.0, Patch Connect Plus 9.0.0, Vulnerability Manager Plus 9.0.0, Patch Manager Plus 9.0.0, OpManager 12.3, NetFlow Analyzer 11.0, OpUtils 11.0, Network Configuration Manager 11.0, FireWall 12.0, Key Manager Plus 5.6, Password Manager Pro 9.9, Analytics Plus 1.0, and Browser Security Plus.

NONE
1.82%p76
2024-11-21
CVE-2018-1000622

The Rust Programming Language rustdoc version Between 0.8 and 1.27.0 contains a CWE-427: Uncontrolled Search Path Element vulnerability in rustdoc plugins that can result in local code execution as a different user. This attack appear to be exploitable via using the --plugin flag without the --plugin-path flag. This vulnerability appears to have been fixed in 1.27.1.

NONE
1.82%p76
2024-11-21
CVE-2024-11859

DLL Search Order Hijacking vulnerability potentially allowed an attacker with administrator privileges to load a malicious dynamic-link library and execute its code.

NONE
1.80%p76
2026-04-15
CVE-2021-28570

Adobe After Effects version 18.1 (and earlier) is affected by an Uncontrolled Search Path element vulnerability. An unauthenticated attacker could exploit this to to plant custom binaries and execute them with System permissions. Exploitation of this issue requires user interaction.

HIGH8.6
1.78%p75
2025-04-23
CVE-2024-24916

Untrusted DLLs in the installer's directory may be loaded and executed, leading to potentially arbitrary code execution with the installer's privileges (admin).

HIGH7.8
1.77%p75
2025-09-04
CVE-2017-13993

An Uncontrolled Search Path or Element issue was discovered in i-SENS SmartLog Diabetes Management Software, Version 2.4.0 and prior versions. An uncontrolled search path element vulnerability has been identified which could be exploited by placing a specially crafted DLL file in the search path. If the malicious DLL is loaded prior to the valid DLL, an attacker could execute arbitrary code on the system. This vulnerability does not affect the connected blood glucose monitor and would not impact delivery of therapy to the patient.

NONE
1.76%p75
2026-05-13
CVE-2017-9646

An Uncontrolled Search Path Element issue was discovered in Solar Controls Heating Control Downloader (HCDownloader) Version 1.0.1.15 and prior. An uncontrolled search path element has been identified, which could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code on a target system using a malicious DLL file.

NONE
1.76%p75
2026-05-13
CVE-2017-9648

An Uncontrolled Search Path Element issue was discovered in Solar Controls WATTConfig M Software Version 2.5.10.1 and prior. An uncontrolled search path element has been identified, which could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code on a target system using a malicious DLL file.

NONE
1.76%p75
2026-05-13
CVE-2020-10616

Opto 22 SoftPAC Project Version 9.6 and prior. SoftPAC does not specify the path of multiple imported .dll files. Therefore, an attacker can replace them and execute code whenever the service starts.

HIGH8.8
1.75%p75
2024-11-21
CVE-2023-25143

An uncontrolled search path element vulnerability in the Trend Micro Apex One Server installer could allow an attacker to achieve a remote code execution state on affected products.

CRITICAL9.8
1.74%p75
2025-03-05
CVE-2021-35982

Acrobat Reader DC versions 2021.005.20060 (and earlier), 2020.004.30006 (and earlier) and 2017.011.30199 (and earlier) are affected by an Uncontrolled Search Path Element vulnerability. A local attacker with non-administrative privileges can plant a malicious DLL to achieve arbitrary code execution in the context of the current user via DLL hijacking. Exploitation of this issue requires user interaction.

HIGH7.3
1.72%p74
2024-11-21
CVE-2022-32222

A cryptographic vulnerability exists on Node.js on linux in versions of 18.x prior to 18.40.0 which allowed a default path for openssl.cnf that might be accessible under some circumstances to a non-admin user instead of /etc/ssl as was the case in versions prior to the upgrade to OpenSSL 3.

MEDIUM5.3
1.70%p74
2025-04-30
CVE-2024-23054

An issue in Plone Docker Official Image 5.2.13 (5221) open-source software that could allow for remote code execution due to a package listed in ++plone++static/components not existing in the public package index (npm).

CRITICAL9.8
1.68%p74
2024-11-21
CVE-2018-14797

Emerson DeltaV DCS versions 11.3.1, 12.3.1, 13.3.0, 13.3.1, R5 allow a specially crafted DLL file to be placed in the search path and loaded as an internal and valid DLL, which may allow arbitrary code execution.

HIGH7.8
1.68%p74
2024-11-21
CVE-2017-5175

Advantech WebAccess 8.1 and earlier contains a DLL hijacking vulnerability which may allow an attacker to run a malicious DLL file within the search path resulting in execution of arbitrary code.

NONE
1.63%p73
2024-11-21
CVE-2021-21070

Adobe Robohelp version 2020.0.3 (and earlier) is affected by an uncontrolled search path element vulnerability that could lead to privilege escalation. An attacker with admin permissions to write to the file system could leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges.

MEDIUM6.5
1.60%p73
2025-04-23
CVE-2018-5238

Norton Power Eraser (prior to 5.3.0.24) and SymDiag (prior to 2.1.242) may be susceptible to a DLL Preloading vulnerability, which is a type of issue that can occur when an application looks to call a DLL for execution and an attacker provides a malicious DLL to use instead. Depending on how the application is configured, it will generally follow a specific search path to locate the DLL. The vulnerability can be exploited by a simple file write (or potentially an over-write) which results in a foreign DLL running under the context of the application.

NONE
1.59%p73
2024-11-21
CVE-2022-43310

An Uncontrolled Search Path Element in Foxit Software released Foxit Reader v11.2.118.51569 allows attackers to escalate privileges when searching for DLL libraries without specifying an absolute path.

HIGH7.8
1.55%p72
2025-05-01
CVE-2019-14687

A DLL hijacking vulnerability exists in Trend Micro Password Manager 5.0 in which, if exploited, would allow an attacker to load an arbitrary unsigned DLL into the signed service's process. This process is very similar, yet not identical to CVE-2019-14684.

NONE
1.55%p72
2024-11-21
CVE-2022-32223

Node.js is vulnerable to Hijack Execution Flow: DLL Hijacking under certain conditions on Windows platforms.This vulnerability can be exploited if the victim has the following dependencies on a Windows machine:* OpenSSL has been installed and “C:\Program Files\Common Files\SSL\openssl.cnf” exists.Whenever the above conditions are present, `node.exe` will search for `providers.dll` in the current user directory.After that, `node.exe` will try to search for `providers.dll` by the DLL Search Order in Windows.It is possible for an attacker to place the malicious file `providers.dll` under a variety of paths and exploit this vulnerability.

HIGH7.3
1.54%p72
PoC
2025-04-30
CVE-2021-28955

git-bug before 0.7.2 has an Uncontrolled Search Path Element. It will execute git.bat from the current directory in certain PATH situations (most often seen on Windows).

CRITICAL9.8
1.54%p72
2025-05-19
CVE-2019-6534

The uncontrolled search path element vulnerability in Gemalto Sentinel UltraPro Client Library ux32w.dll Versions 1.3.0, 1.3.1, and 1.3.2 enables an attacker to load and execute a malicious file.

HIGH7.8
1.53%p72
2024-11-21
CVE-2017-5170

An Uncontrolled Search Path Element issue was discovered in Moxa SoftNVR-IA Live Viewer, Version 3.30.3122 and prior versions. An uncontrolled search path element (DLL Hijacking) vulnerability has been identified. To exploit this vulnerability, an attacker could rename a malicious DLL to meet the criteria of the application, and the application would not verify that the DLL is correct. The attacker needs to have administrative access to the default install location in order to plant the insecure DLL. Once loaded by the application, the DLL could run malicious code at the privilege level of the application.

NONE
1.51%p71
2024-11-21
CVE-2017-12579

An insecure suid wrapper binary in the HashiCorp Vagrant VMware Fusion plugin (aka vagrant-vmware-fusion) 4.0.24 and earlier allows a non-root user to obtain a root shell.

NONE
1.47%p70
Functional
2026-05-13
CVE-2019-14684

A DLL hijacking vulnerability exists in Trend Micro Password Manager 5.0 in which, if exploited, would allow an attacker to load an arbitrary unsigned DLL into the signed service's process. This process is very similar, yet not identical to CVE-2019-14687.

NONE
1.46%p70
2024-11-21
CVE-2019-20856

An issue was discovered in Mattermost Desktop App before 4.3.0 on macOS. It allows dylib injection.

CRITICAL9.8
1.44%p70
2024-11-21
CVE-2018-13806

A vulnerability has been identified in SIEMENS TD Keypad Designer (All versions). A DLL hijacking vulnerability exists in all versions of SIEMENS TD Keypad Designer which could allow an attacker to execute code with the permission of the user running TD Designer. The attacker must have write access to the directory containing the TD project file in order to exploit the vulnerability. A legitimate user with higher privileges than the attacker must open the TD project in order for this vulnerability to be exploited. At the time of advisory publication no public exploitation of this security vulnerability was known.

NONE
1.44%p70
2024-11-21
CVE-2022-22788

The Zoom Opener installer is downloaded by a user from the Launch meeting page, when attempting to join a meeting without having the Zoom Meeting Client installed. The Zoom Opener installer for Zoom Client for Meetings before version 5.10.3 and Zoom Rooms for Conference Room for Windows before version 5.10.3 are susceptible to a DLL injection attack. This vulnerability could be used to run arbitrary code on the victims host.

HIGH7.8
1.42%p69
2024-11-21
CVE-2022-20001

fish is a command line shell. fish version 3.1.0 through version 3.3.1 is vulnerable to arbitrary code execution. git repositories can contain per-repository configuration that change the behavior of git, including running arbitrary commands. When using the default configuration of fish, changing to a directory automatically runs `git` commands in order to display information about the current repository in the prompt. If an attacker can convince a user to change their current directory into one controlled by the attacker, such as on a shared file system or extracted archive, fish will run arbitrary commands under the attacker's control. This problem has been fixed in fish 3.4.0. Note that running git in these directories, including using the git tab completion, remains a potential trigger for this issue. As a workaround, remove the `fish_git_prompt` function from the prompt.

HIGH7.8
1.42%p69
2025-04-23
CVE-2021-36770

Encode.pm, as distributed in Perl through 5.34.0, allows local users to gain privileges via a Trojan horse Encode::ConfigLocal library (in the current working directory) that preempts dynamic module loading. Exploitation requires an unusual configuration, and certain 2021 versions of Encode.pm (3.05 through 3.11). This issue occurs because the || operator evaluates @INC in a scalar context, and thus @INC has only an integer value.

HIGH7.8
1.40%p69
2025-11-03
CVE-2019-12177

Privilege escalation due to insecure directory permissions affecting ViveportDesktopService in HTC VIVEPORT before 1.0.0.36 allows local attackers to escalate privileges via DLL hijacking.

NONE
1.40%p69
2024-11-21
CVE-2021-21999

VMware Tools for Windows (11.x.y prior to 11.2.6), VMware Remote Console for Windows (12.x prior to 12.0.1) , VMware App Volumes (2.x prior to 2.18.10 and 4 prior to 2103) contain a local privilege escalation vulnerability. An attacker with normal access to a virtual machine may exploit this issue by placing a malicious file renamed as `openssl.cnf' in an unrestricted directory which would allow code to be executed with elevated privileges.

HIGH7.8
1.38%p69
2024-11-21
CVE-2018-20211

ExifTool 8.32 allows local users to gain privileges by creating a %TEMP%\par-%username%\cache-exiftool-8.32 folder with a victim's username, and then copying a Trojan horse ws32_32.dll file into this new folder, aka DLL Hijacking. NOTE: 8.32 is an obsolete version from 2010 (9.x was released starting in 2012, and 10.x was released starting in 2015).

NONE
1.38%p69
2024-11-21
CVE-2017-9661

An Uncontrolled Search Path Element issue was discovered in SIMPlight SCADA Software version 4.3.0.27 and prior. The uncontrolled search path element vulnerability has been identified, which may allow an attacker to place a malicious DLL file within the search path resulting in execution of arbitrary code.

NONE
1.36%p68
2026-05-13
CVE-2017-6051

An Uncontrolled Search Path Element issue was discovered in BLF-Tech LLC VisualView HMI Version 9.9.14.0 and prior. The uncontrolled search path element vulnerability has been identified, which may allow an attacker to run a malicious DLL file within the search path resulting in execution of arbitrary code.

NONE
1.36%p68
2026-05-13
CVE-2022-24767

GitHub: Git for Windows' uninstaller vulnerable to DLL hijacking when run under the SYSTEM user account.

HIGH7.8
1.35%p68
2024-11-21
CVE-2020-8315

In Python (CPython) 3.6 through 3.6.10, 3.7 through 3.7.6, and 3.8 through 3.8.1, an insecure dependency load upon launch on Windows 7 may result in an attacker's copy of api-ms-win-core-path-l1-1-0.dll being loaded and used instead of the system's copy. Windows 8 and later are unaffected.

MEDIUM5.5
1.35%p68
2024-11-21
CVE-2019-11644

In the F-Secure installer in F-Secure SAFE for Windows before 17.6, F-Secure Internet Security before 17.6, F-Secure Anti-Virus before 17.6, F-Secure Client Security Standard and Premium before 14.10, F-Secure PSB Workstation Security before 12.01, and F-Secure Computer Protection Standard and Premium before 19.3, a local user can escalate their privileges through a DLL hijacking attack against the installer. The installer writes the file rm.exe to C:\Windows\Temp and then executes it. The rm.exe process then attempts to load several DLLs from its current directory. Non-admin users are able to write to this folder, so an attacker can create a malicious C:\Windows\Temp\OLEACC.dll file. When an admin runs the installer, rm.exe will execute the attacker's DLL in an elevated security context.

NONE
1.35%p68
2024-11-21
CVE-2017-6033

A DLL Hijacking issue was discovered in Schneider Electric Interactive Graphical SCADA System (IGSS) Software, Version 12 and previous versions. The software will execute a malicious file if it is named the same as a legitimate file and placed in a location that is earlier in the search path.

NONE
1.34%p68
2026-05-13
CVE-2019-1010100

Akeo Consulting Rufus 3.0 and earlier is affected by: DLL search order hijacking. The impact is: Arbitrary code execution WITH escalation of privilege. The component is: Executable installers, portable executables (ALL executables on the web site). The attack vector is: CAPEC-471, CWE-426, CWE-427.

NONE
1.33%p67
2024-11-21
CVE-2021-1366

A vulnerability in the interprocess communication (IPC) channel of Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client for Windows could allow an authenticated, local attacker to perform a DLL hijacking attack on an affected device if the VPN Posture (HostScan) Module is installed on the AnyConnect client. This vulnerability is due to insufficient validation of resources that are loaded by the application at run time. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by sending a crafted IPC message to the AnyConnect process. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to execute arbitrary code on the affected machine with SYSTEM privileges. To exploit this vulnerability, the attacker needs valid credentials on the Windows system.

HIGH7.8
1.25%p66
PoC
2024-11-21
CVE-2022-4313

A vulnerability was reported where through modifying the scan variables, an authenticated user in Tenable products, that has Scan Policy Configuration roles, could manipulate audit policy variables to execute arbitrary commands on credentialed scan targets.

HIGH8.8
1.24%p65
2025-02-27
CVE-2019-7362

DLL preloading vulnerability in Autodesk Design Review versions 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2018. An attacker may trick a user into opening a malicious DWF file that may leverage a DLL preloading vulnerability, which may result in code execution.

NONE
1.24%p65
2024-11-21
CVE-2017-20052

A vulnerability classified as problematic was found in Python 2.7.13. This vulnerability affects unknown code of the component pgAdmin4. 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.

HIGH7.8
1.22%p65
2025-04-15
CVE-2022-22943

VMware Tools for Windows (11.x.y and 10.x.y prior to 12.0.0) contains an uncontrolled search path vulnerability. A malicious actor with local administrative privileges in the Windows guest OS, where VMware Tools is installed, may be able to execute code with system privileges in the Windows guest OS due to an uncontrolled search path element.

MEDIUM6.7
1.22%p65
2024-11-21
CVE-2020-13279

Client side code execution in gitlab-vscode-extension v2.2.0 allows attacker to execute code on user system

HIGH8.6
1.20%p64
2024-11-21
CVE-2019-14686

A DLL hijacking vulnerability exists in the Trend Micro Security's 2019 consumer family of products (v15) Folder Shield component and the standalone Trend Micro Ransom Buster (1.0) tool in which, if exploited, would allow an attacker to load a malicious DLL, leading to elevated privileges.

NONE
1.20%p64
2024-11-21
CVE-2019-6825

A CWE-427: Uncontrolled Search Path Element vulnerability exists in ProClima (all versions prior to version 8.0.0) which could allow a malicious DLL file, with the same name of any resident DLLs inside the software installation, to execute arbitrary code in all versions of ProClima prior to version 8.0.0.

HIGH7.8
1.20%p64
2024-11-21
CVE-2022-34825

Uncontrolled Search Path Element in CLUSTERPRO X 5.0 for Windows and earlier, EXPRESSCLUSTER X 5.0 for Windows and earlier, CLUSTERPRO X 5.0 SingleServerSafe for Windows and earlier, EXPRESSCLUSTER X 5.0 SingleServerSafe for Windows and earlier allows a remote unauthenticated attacker to overwrite existing files on the file system and to potentially execute arbitrary code.

CRITICAL9.8
1.19%p64
2025-05-01
CVE-2020-5145

SonicWall Global VPN client version 4.10.4.0314 and earlier have an insecure library loading (DLL hijacking) vulnerability. Successful exploitation could lead to remote code execution in the target system.

HIGH8.6
1.19%p64
2024-11-21
CVE-2018-8090

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.

HIGH7.8
1.19%p64
PoC
2024-11-21
CVE-2022-47636

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.

HIGH7.8
1.14%p62
PoC
2024-11-21
CVE-2021-22195

Client side code execution in gitlab-vscode-extension v3.15.0 and earlier allows attacker to execute code on user system

HIGH7.8
1.14%p62
2024-11-21
CVE-2017-14020

In AutomationDirect CLICK Programming Software (Part Number C0-PGMSW) Versions 2.10 and prior; C-More Programming Software (Part Number EA9-PGMSW) Versions 6.30 and prior; C-More Micro (Part Number EA-PGMSW) Versions 4.20.01.0 and prior; Do-more Designer Software (Part Number DM-PGMSW) Versions 2.0.3 and prior; GS Drives Configuration Software (Part Number GSOFT) Versions 4.0.6 and prior; SL-SOFT SOLO Temperature Controller Configuration Software (Part Number SL-SOFT) Versions 1.1.0.5 and prior; and DirectSOFT Programming Software Versions 6.1 and prior, an uncontrolled search path element (DLL Hijacking) vulnerability has been identified. To exploit this vulnerability, an attacker could rename a malicious DLL to meet the criteria of the application, and the application would not verify that the DLL is correct. Once loaded by the application, the DLL could run malicious code at the privilege level of the application.

NONE
1.14%p62
2026-05-13
CVE-2020-24423

Adobe Media Encoder version 14.4 (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.

HIGH7.8
1.11%p62
2024-11-21
CVE-2020-24424

Adobe Premiere Pro version 14.4 (and earlier) is affected by an uncontrolled search path element 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.

HIGH7.8
1.11%p62
2024-11-21
CVE-2018-14812

An uncontrolled search path element (DLL Hijacking) vulnerability has been identified in Fuji Electric Energy Savings Estimator versions V.1.0.2.0 and prior. Exploitation of this vulnerability could give an attacker access to the system with the same level of privilege as the application that utilizes the malicious DLL.

NONE
1.10%p61
2024-11-21