GNU Wget up to 1.21.4 Configuration File Path use_askpass uncontrolled search path

Summaryinfo

A vulnerability labeled as critical has been found in GNU Wget up to 1.21.4. Affected by this issue is some unknown functionality of the component Configuration File Path. The manipulation of the argument use_askpass results in uncontrolled search path. This vulnerability is cataloged as CVE-2026-94574. The attack must be initiated from a local position. There is no exploit available.

Detailsinfo

A vulnerability, which was classified as critical, was found in GNU Wget up to 1.21.4. Affected is an unknown part of the component Configuration File Path. The manipulation of the argument use_askpass with an unknown input leads to a uncontrolled search path vulnerability. CWE is classifying the issue as 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. This is going to have an impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. CVE summarizes:

A local cross-user code execution vulnerability exists in GNU wget (Windows builds from eternallybored.org) due to a hardcoded configuration file path (C:\msys64) that is writable by unprivileged users, allowing for arbitrary code execution via the use_askpass directive, potentially allowing local privilege escalation.

The advisory is shared for download at eternallybored.org. This vulnerability is traded as CVE-2026-94574 since 09/21/2026. The exploitability is told to be difficult. The attack needs to be approached locally. There are known technical details, but no exploit is available. The current price for an exploit might be approx. USD $0-$5k (estimation calculated on 09/22/2026). The MITRE ATT&CK project declares the attack technique as T1574.

There is no information about possible countermeasures known. It may be suggested to replace the affected object with an alternative product.

Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.

Productinfo

Type

• Automation Software

Vendor

• GNU

Name

• Wget

Version

• 1.21.0
• 1.21.1
• 1.21.2
• 1.21.3
• 1.21.4

License

• open-source

Website

• Vendor: https://www.gnu.org/

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