CVE-2026-22561
Modified Modified - Updated After Analysis
DLL Search-Order Hijacking in Anthropic Claude Installer Enables Privilege Escalation

Publication date: 2026-03-31

Last updated on: 2026-05-10

Assigner: HackerOne

Description
Uncontrolled search path elements in Anthropic Claude for Windows installer (Claude Setup.exe) versions prior to 1.1.3363 allow local privilege escalation via DLL search-order hijacking. The installer loads DLLs (e.g., profapi.dll) from its own directory after UAC elevation, enabling arbitrary code execution if a malicious DLL is planted alongside the installer.
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Meta Information
Published
2026-03-31
Last Modified
2026-05-10
Generated
2026-06-16
AI Q&A
2026-03-31
EPSS Evaluated
2026-06-15
NVD
CVE-2026-22561
EUVD
EUVD-2026-17476
Affected Vendors & Products
Showing 1 associated CPE
Vendor Product Version / Range
anthropic claude to 1.1.3363 (exc)
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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 involves uncontrolled search path elements in the Anthropic Claude for Windows installer (Claude Setup.exe) versions prior to 1.1.3363. Specifically, after User Account Control (UAC) elevation, the installer loads DLL files from its own directory, such as profapi.dll. If a malicious DLL is placed alongside the installer, it can be loaded instead, allowing an attacker to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges on the local system.

Impact Analysis

The vulnerability can lead to local privilege escalation, meaning an attacker with limited access to the system could exploit this flaw to gain higher privileges. This could allow the attacker to execute arbitrary code with elevated rights, potentially compromising the system's security and integrity.

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