How severe is CVE-2022-40978?

CVE-2022-40978 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.5, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with high attack complexity, requires low privileges and user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.

Is CVE-2022-40978 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (16th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2022-40978?

CVE-2022-40978 affects Jetbrains Intellij Idea. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.

How do I fix CVE-2022-40978?

Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.

When was CVE-2022-40978 published?

CVE-2022-40978 was published on 2022-09-19 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2022-40978

CVE-2022-40978 is a high-severity vulnerability in Jetbrains Intellij Idea with a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.5. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-427.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 7.5)
EPSS exploit prediction: 0% (16th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-427
Affected product: Jetbrains Intellij Idea
Published: 2022-09-19
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

The installer of JetBrains IntelliJ IDEA before 2022.2.2 was vulnerable to EXE search order hijacking

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2022-40978?: The installer of JetBrains IntelliJ IDEA before 2022.2.2 was vulnerable to EXE search order hijacking
How severe is CVE-2022-40978?: CVE-2022-40978 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.5, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with high attack complexity, requires low privileges and user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.
Is CVE-2022-40978 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (16th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2022-40978?: CVE-2022-40978 affects Jetbrains Intellij Idea. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
How do I fix CVE-2022-40978?: Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.
When was CVE-2022-40978 published?: CVE-2022-40978 was published on 2022-09-19 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

https://www.jetbrains.com/privacy-security/issues-fixed/

Affected products (1)

cpe:2.3:a:jetbrains:intellij_idea:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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