CVE-2026-2040
Received Received - Intake
Uncontrolled Search Path Vulnerability in PDF-XChange Editor Leads to Local Privilege Escalation

Publication date: 2026-02-20

Last updated on: 2026-02-20

Assigner: Zero Day Initiative

Description
PDF-XChange Editor TrackerUpdate Uncontrolled Search Path Element Local Privilege Escalation Vulnerability. This vulnerability allows local attackers to escalate privileges on affected installations of PDF-XChange Editor. 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 TrackerUpdate process. The product loads a library from an unsecured location. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges and execute code in the context of a target user. Was ZDI-CAN-27788.
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Meta Information
Published
2026-02-20
Last Modified
2026-02-20
Generated
2026-06-16
AI Q&A
2026-02-21
EPSS Evaluated
2026-06-14
NVD
CVE-2026-2040
EUVD
EUVD-2026-7772
Affected Vendors & Products
Showing 1 associated CPE
Vendor Product Version / Range
trackerupdate pdf-xchange_editor *
Helpful Resources
Exploitability
CWE
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KEV
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CWE ID Description
CWE-427 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.
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Executive Summary

This vulnerability exists in the TrackerUpdate process of PDF-XChange Editor. It involves an uncontrolled search path element where the product loads a library from an unsecured location. An attacker who already has the ability to execute low-privileged code on the target system can exploit this flaw to escalate their privileges.

By exploiting this vulnerability, the attacker can execute code with higher privileges in the context of the target user.

Impact Analysis

This vulnerability allows a local attacker to escalate their privileges on an affected system. This means that an attacker who initially has limited access can gain higher-level permissions, potentially allowing them to execute malicious code, access sensitive information, or make unauthorized changes to the system.

Compliance Impact

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