Skip to main content

CVE-2025-49148: CWE-427: Uncontrolled Search Path Element in thevindu-w clip_share_server

High
VulnerabilityCVE-2025-49148cvecve-2025-49148cwe-427
Published: Wed Jun 11 2025 (06/11/2025, 14:53:48 UTC)
Source: CVE Database V5
Vendor/Project: thevindu-w
Product: clip_share_server

Description

ClipShare is a lightweight and cross-platform tool for clipboard sharing. Prior to 3.8.5, ClipShare Server for Windows uses the default Windows DLL search order and loads system libraries like CRYPTBASE.dll and WindowsCodecs.dll from its own directory before the system path. A local, non-privileged user who can write to the folder containing clip_share.exe can place malicious DLLs there, leading to arbitrary code execution in the context of the server, and, if launched by an Administrator (or another elevated user), it results in a reliable local privilege escalation. This vulnerability is fixed in 3.8.5.

AI-Powered Analysis

AILast updated: 07/12/2025, 08:16:26 UTC

Technical Analysis

CVE-2025-49148 is a high-severity vulnerability affecting thevindu-w's ClipShare Server for Windows versions prior to 3.8.5. ClipShare is a lightweight, cross-platform clipboard sharing tool. The vulnerability arises from an uncontrolled search path element (CWE-427) due to the server's use of the default Windows DLL search order. Specifically, the ClipShare Server loads critical system DLLs such as CRYPTBASE.dll and WindowsCodecs.dll from its own executable directory before the system path. This behavior allows a local, non-privileged user who has write access to the folder containing clip_share.exe to place malicious DLLs with the same names as these system libraries. When the ClipShare Server loads these malicious DLLs, it executes arbitrary code within the server's context. If the server process is running with elevated privileges (e.g., launched by an Administrator), this leads to a reliable local privilege escalation. The vulnerability requires local access with write permissions to the executable directory and some user interaction (server restart or reload) to trigger the exploit. The issue is resolved in version 3.8.5 of ClipShare Server by presumably changing the DLL loading order or hardening the search path. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 7.3, reflecting high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, with low attack complexity but requiring local privileges and user interaction.

Potential Impact

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk especially in environments where ClipShare Server is deployed on Windows systems. An attacker with local access and write permissions to the ClipShare installation directory can execute arbitrary code and escalate privileges to administrator level. This could lead to full system compromise, data theft, unauthorized access to sensitive information, and disruption of clipboard sharing services. In corporate or government environments where clipboard sharing tools are used for productivity, this vulnerability could be leveraged to move laterally within networks or establish persistence. The high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability means that critical business operations could be affected. Additionally, if ClipShare Server is running on systems with sensitive data or connected to critical infrastructure, the consequences could be severe. The requirement for local access limits remote exploitation but insider threats or compromised user accounts could exploit this vulnerability.

Mitigation Recommendations

European organizations should immediately upgrade all instances of ClipShare Server to version 3.8.5 or later, where the vulnerability is fixed. Until upgrades are complete, restrict write permissions to the ClipShare installation directory to trusted administrators only, preventing non-privileged users from placing malicious DLLs. Implement application whitelisting or code integrity policies to block unauthorized DLLs from loading. Monitor file system changes in the ClipShare directory for suspicious activity. Additionally, run ClipShare Server with the least privileges necessary and avoid running it under administrator accounts. Employ endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to detect anomalous DLL loading or privilege escalation attempts. Conduct user awareness training to reduce the risk of local user exploitation. Finally, review and harden local access controls and audit logs to detect and respond to potential exploitation attempts promptly.

Need more detailed analysis?Get Pro

Technical Details

Data Version
5.1
Assigner Short Name
GitHub_M
Date Reserved
2025-06-02T10:39:41.635Z
Cvss Version
3.1
State
PUBLISHED

Threat ID: 68499c0e23110031d41030c7

Added to database: 6/11/2025, 3:09:02 PM

Last enriched: 7/12/2025, 8:16:26 AM

Last updated: 8/18/2025, 4:21:25 AM

Views: 24

Actions

PRO

Updates to AI analysis are available only with a Pro account. Contact root@offseq.com for access.

Please log in to the Console to use AI analysis features.

Need enhanced features?

Contact root@offseq.com for Pro access with improved analysis and higher rate limits.

Latest Threats