CVE-2026-6645
CVE-2026-6645 is a high-severity vulnerability with a CVSS 4.0 base score of 7.3. 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 4.0 base score 7.3)
- EPSS exploit prediction: 0% (3rd percentile)
- Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
- EU (EUVD) id: EUVD-2026-38209
- Weakness: CWE-427
- Published:
- Last modified:
Description
An insecure process execution vulnerability exists in the pc-printer-updater.exe component of the PaperCut Print Deploy Client for Windows. The application, which typically operates with high-level system privileges, attempts to perform an internal validation check by invoking a secondary system utility using an unqualified file reference. Because the application does not specify an absolute path to this utility, it relies on the operating system's default search order to locate the executable. Under specific conditions, a local attacker with the ability to modify directories within the system's search path could plant a malicious binary that mimics the expected utility. This could result in the malicious code being executed with SYSTEM privileges, leading to a full compromise of the affected host.
Frequently asked questions
- What is CVE-2026-6645?
- An insecure process execution vulnerability exists in the pc-printer-updater.exe component of the PaperCut Print Deploy Client for Windows. The application, which typically operates with high-level system privileges, attempts to perform an internal validation check by invoking a secondary system utility using an unqualified file reference. Because the application does not specify an absolute path to this utility, it relies on the operating system's default search order to locate the executable. Under specific conditions, a local attacker with the ability to modify directories within the system's search path could plant a malicious binary that mimics the expected utility. This could result in the malicious code being executed with SYSTEM privileges, leading to a full compromise of the affected host.
- How severe is CVE-2026-6645?
- CVE-2026-6645 has a CVSS 4.0 base score of 7.3, rated high severity.
- Is CVE-2026-6645 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-2026-6645?
- 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-2026-6645 have an EU (EUVD) identifier?
- Yes. CVE-2026-6645 is tracked in the ENISA EU Vulnerability Database (EUVD) as EUVD-2026-38209.
- When was CVE-2026-6645 published?
- CVE-2026-6645 was published on 2026-06-22 and last updated on 2026-06-23.
References
Other CWE-427 (Uncontrolled Search Path Element) vulnerabilities
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