CVE-2026-107090 in Maltego Windows Installer
Summary
by MITRE • 10/26/2026
An issue in Maltego Technologies GmbH Maltego Windows Installer 4.13.0 allows a local attacker to execute arbitrary code via the Maltego Windows installer executable-resolution logic
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/26/2026
The vulnerability identified in Maltego Technologies GmbH's Maltego Windows Installer version 4.13.0 represents a critical security flaw rooted in improper handling of file path resolution during the installation process. This specific weakness allows an attacker with local access to the system to execute arbitrary code, effectively escalating privileges or compromising the integrity of the software environment. The core issue lies within the executable-resolution logic employed by the installer when it searches for and loads required dynamic link libraries or dependent executables. In many Windows-based applications, installers rely on standard search paths such as the current working directory, system directories like System32, and user profile folders to locate necessary components. When this resolution process is not strictly validated against expected locations or signed binaries, it creates an opportunity for path traversal attacks where a malicious actor can manipulate which files are loaded by placing a compromised version of a required library in one of the searched directories.
From a technical perspective, this flaw aligns with CWE-427, Uncontrolled Search Path Element, and often intersects with CWE-94, Improper Control of Generation of Code (Code Injection). The installer does not sufficiently verify the authenticity or origin of the files it loads during execution. If an attacker can write to a directory that is included in the system's dynamic library search path prior to the installation process running, they can substitute legitimate libraries with malicious ones containing shellcode or other executable payloads. When the Maltego installer runs and attempts to load these dependencies, it inadvertently executes the attacker-controlled code under the context of the user launching the installer. This mechanism is particularly dangerous because installers often run with elevated privileges if initiated by an administrator, thereby granting the injected code administrative access to the system upon successful execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation. It compromises the trustworthiness of the software supply chain for Maltego users. Since Maltego is a widely used intelligence gathering and link analysis platform often employed in security operations centers and forensic investigations, any compromise at the installer level undermines confidence in the tool itself. An attacker could use this vector to establish persistent backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data processed by the application, or pivot further into internal networks if the compromised machine serves as a gateway for intelligence collection activities. The risk is exacerbated because local attackers may already have access through phishing campaigns, insider threats, or previous compromises that allowed them to place files in accessible directories such as temporary folders or user-specific paths that are part of the search resolution chain.
Mitigation strategies must focus on both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements. Users should immediately update to a patched version of Maltego Windows Installer where this issue has been resolved by implementing strict path validation, using fully qualified file names for dependencies, and verifying digital signatures before loading any external modules. Developers should adopt secure coding practices that adhere to the principle of least privilege during installation processes, ensuring that installers do not rely on potentially untrusted search paths. Additionally, organizations can implement application control policies such as Windows Defender Application Control or AppLocker to restrict which executables are allowed to run and from which locations libraries can be loaded. Regular auditing of installed software versions and monitoring for unusual file creation events in system directories can also help detect attempts to exploit this vulnerability before successful code execution occurs.