CVE-2025-40979

CVE-2025-40979 is a high-severity vulnerability with a CVSS 4.0 base score of 7.0. 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

Description

DLL search order hijacking vulnerability in the wave.exe executable for Windows 11, version 1.27.8. Exploitation of this vulnerability could allow attackers with local access to execute arbitrary code by placing an arbitrary file in the 'C:\Users<user>\AppData\Local\Temp' directory, which could lead to arbitrary code execution and persistence. This vulnerability is only replicable in versions of Windows 11 and does not affect earlier versions.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2025-40979?
DLL search order hijacking vulnerability in the wave.exe executable for Windows 11, version 1.27.8. Exploitation of this vulnerability could allow attackers with local access to execute arbitrary code by placing an arbitrary file in the 'C:\Users<user>\AppData\Local\Temp' directory, which could lead to arbitrary code execution and persistence. This vulnerability is only replicable in versions of Windows 11 and does not affect earlier versions.
How severe is CVE-2025-40979?
CVE-2025-40979 has a CVSS 4.0 base score of 7.0, rated high severity.
Is CVE-2025-40979 being actively exploited?
It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (3rd percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
How do I fix CVE-2025-40979?
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.
Does CVE-2025-40979 have an EU (EUVD) identifier?
Yes. CVE-2025-40979 is tracked in the ENISA EU Vulnerability Database (EUVD) as EUVD-2025-27534.
When was CVE-2025-40979 published?
CVE-2025-40979 was published on 2025-09-10 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Other CWE-427 (Uncontrolled Search Path Element) vulnerabilities

Browse all CWE-427 (Uncontrolled Search Path Element) vulnerabilities →