CVE-2026-78043
Description
A flaw was found in OpenVPN. The Windows Interactive Service allows local authenticated users to bypass security restrictions and load unauthorized configuration files. By crafting special paths, an attacker can manipulate the service's configuration, potentially leading to privilege escalation.
Statement
This Moderate impact flaw affects the Windows Interactive Service in OpenVPN, enabling a local authenticated user to bypass configuration directory constraints and load arbitrary files. This can lead to privilege escalation on Windows systems. Red Hat's OpenVPN packages for Linux-based environments are not directly affected by this vulnerability.
Understanding the Weakness (CWE)
Integrity,Confidentiality,Availability
Technical Impact: Execute Unauthorized Code or Commands
The attacker may be able to create or overwrite critical files that are used to execute code, such as programs or libraries.
Integrity
Technical Impact: Modify Files or Directories
The attacker may be able to overwrite or create critical files, such as programs, libraries, or important data. If the targeted file is used for a security mechanism, then the attacker may be able to bypass that mechanism. For example, appending a new account at the end of a password file may allow an attacker to bypass authentication.
Confidentiality
Technical Impact: Read Files or Directories
The attacker may be able read the contents of unexpected files and expose sensitive data. If the targeted file is used for a security mechanism, then the attacker may be able to bypass that mechanism. For example, by reading a password file, the attacker could conduct brute force password guessing attacks in order to break into an account on the system.
Availability
Technical Impact: DoS: Crash, Exit, or Restart
The attacker may be able to overwrite, delete, or corrupt unexpected critical files such as programs, libraries, or important data. This may prevent the product from working at all and in the case of protection mechanisms such as authentication, it has the potential to lock out product users.
Frequently Asked Questions
Not sure what something means? Check out our Security Glossary.
Want to get errata notifications? Sign up here.
