Severity by source
AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
Primary rating from NVD · only source for this CVE.
CVSS VectorNVD
CVSS:3.0/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
Lifecycle Timeline
3DescriptionCVE.org
NoMachine Uncontrolled Search Path Element Local Privilege Escalation Vulnerability. This vulnerability allows local attackers to escalate privileges on affected installations of NoMachine. 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 NoMachine Device Server. The product loads a library from an unsecured location. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges and execute arbitrary code in the context of SYSTEM. Was ZDI-CAN-28494.
AnalysisAI
Local privilege escalation in NoMachine Device Server allows authenticated low-privileged attackers to execute arbitrary code with SYSTEM privileges by exploiting unsafe library loading from an unsecured search path. The vulnerability (ZDI-CAN-28494) requires prior local access but enables full system compromise through DLL hijacking or similar path manipulation. No KEV listing or public exploit identified at time of analysis. CVSS 7.8 (High) with attack vector requiring local access and low privileges (AV:L/PR:L).
Technical ContextAI
CWE-427 (Uncontrolled Search Path Element) vulnerability in NoMachine Device Server component. The service loads libraries from directories where unprivileged users can write files, creating a DLL hijacking condition. Exploitation requires planting a malicious library in the search path before service initialization or restart, achieving SYSTEM-level code execution through trusted service context.
RemediationAI
No vendor-released patch identified at time of analysis. Consult Zero Day Initiative advisory ZDI-26-249 at https://www.zerodayinitiative.com/advisories/ZDI-26-249/ for vendor coordination timeline and patch availability status. Interim workarounds: restrict local user access to NoMachine installation directories using NTFS permissions, disable NoMachine Device Server component if not operationally required, implement application whitelisting to prevent unauthorized DLL loading, and monitor system directories for unexpected library file creation. Deploy endpoint detection solutions configured to alert on privilege escalation attempts targeting service contexts.
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Local privilege escalation in NoMachine allows authenticated low-privileged attackers to execute arbitrary code as root
NoMachine Uncontrolled Search Path Element Local Privilege Escalation Vulnerability. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), thi
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NoMachine Uncontrolled Search Path Element Local Privilege Escalation Vulnerability. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), thi
Same weakness CWE-427 – Uncontrolled Search Path Element
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External POC / Exploit Code
Leaving vuln.today
EUVD-2026-21654
GHSA-cfcr-ph9h-pgwq