CVE-2026-48272 in Creative Cloud Desktop
Summary
by MITRE • 07/15/2026
Creative Cloud Desktop is affected by an Uncontrolled Search Path Element vulnerability that could result in arbitrary code execution in the context of the current user. Exploit depends on conditions beyond the attacker's control. Exploitation of this issue does not require user interaction. Scope is changed.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/15/2026
The vulnerability in Creative Cloud Desktop represents a critical uncontrolled search path element flaw that creates a dangerous privilege escalation vector for malicious actors. This weakness allows attackers to manipulate the software's search path mechanism, potentially executing arbitrary code with the privileges of the currently logged-in user. The issue stems from how the application resolves file paths during execution, failing to properly validate or sanitize the directories it searches for required components. According to CWE-427, this classification specifically addresses the dangerous condition where an application's search path contains elements that can be manipulated by untrusted inputs, creating opportunities for attackers to inject malicious code into legitimate processes.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it fundamentally compromises the integrity of the user's system environment. Attackers can exploit this weakness by placing malicious binaries or scripts in directories that Creative Cloud Desktop searches before legitimate system locations, effectively hijacking the application's execution flow. The fact that exploitation does not require user interaction makes this particularly dangerous, as it can be triggered automatically when the software runs, potentially during system startup or routine operations. This characteristic aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter usage, where adversaries leverage legitimate system tools to execute malicious code without direct user involvement.
The dependency on conditions beyond the attacker's control suggests that while the vulnerability exists, successful exploitation may require specific environmental configurations or timing factors that make it less straightforward than other exploit vectors. However, this does not diminish the severity of the flaw, as any uncontrolled search path element vulnerability represents a fundamental security weakness in software design. The scope change indicates that the attack surface has been expanded beyond initial assessments, potentially affecting additional system components or user privileges than initially identified. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of implementing proper input validation and secure coding practices, particularly when dealing with dynamic path resolution in desktop applications.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing strict path validation mechanisms within Creative Cloud Desktop and similar software applications. Organizations should consider deploying application whitelisting solutions that prevent execution of unauthorized binaries from potentially compromised directories. System administrators should also ensure regular updates are applied to address this vulnerability, as Adobe typically releases patches for such security issues. The recommended approach includes configuring the software to use absolute paths for all critical components and implementing proper privilege separation techniques to minimize the impact of any successful exploitation attempts. Additionally, monitoring for unusual process execution patterns or unauthorized file modifications in system directories can help detect potential exploitation attempts before they cause significant damage.