CVE-2026-27774 is a DLL hijacking vulnerability classified under CWE-427 affecting Acronis True Image on Windows platforms before build 42902. DLL hijacking occurs when an application loads dynamic link libraries insecurely, allowing an attacker to place a malicious DLL in a location where the application will load it instead of the legitimate one. This vulnerability enables a local attacker with limited privileges to escalate their rights by tricking the software into loading a malicious DLL, thereby executing arbitrary code with elevated privileges. The attack requires local access and user interaction, with a high attack complexity due to the need to place the malicious DLL in the correct location and trigger the vulnerable application behavior. The CVSS v3.0 score is 6.7 (medium severity), reflecting the significant impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability if exploited, but mitigated by the attack complexity and requirement for local access. No patches or exploits are currently publicly available, but the vulnerability is officially published and should be addressed promptly. This vulnerability poses a risk to environments where Acronis True Image is used for backup and recovery, as attackers gaining elevated privileges could compromise backup integrity or disrupt recovery processes.

If exploited, this vulnerability allows attackers with limited local access to escalate privileges to higher levels, potentially SYSTEM or administrator level. This can lead to full system compromise, including unauthorized access to sensitive backup data, modification or deletion of backups, and disruption of backup and recovery operations. The integrity and availability of critical backup data could be severely impacted, undermining disaster recovery capabilities. Organizations relying on Acronis True Image for data protection may face increased risk of ransomware attacks or insider threats leveraging this vulnerability. The requirement for local access limits remote exploitation, but insider threats or attackers who have gained initial footholds could leverage this flaw to deepen their control over affected systems.

Organizations should monitor Acronis communications for official patches and apply them immediately once available. Until patches are released, restrict local user permissions to the minimum necessary to reduce the risk of privilege escalation. Implement application whitelisting and restrict write permissions on directories where Acronis True Image loads DLLs to prevent unauthorized DLL placement. Employ endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to monitor for suspicious DLL loading behaviors and privilege escalation attempts. Educate users about the risks of executing untrusted software or files that could facilitate DLL hijacking. Regularly audit installed software versions and configurations to ensure compliance with security best practices. Consider isolating backup systems and limiting local access to trusted administrators only.