Vulnerability · Published Feb 20, 2026 · Assigned by zdi

CVE-2026-2040PDF-XChange Editor TrackerUpdate Uncontrolled Search Path Element Local Privilege Escalation Vulnerability

High 7.3

In plain English

A high-severity uncontrolled search path in PDF-XChange Editor from PDF-XChange. There are no confirmed reports of exploitation so far. The chance it is exploited in the next 30 days is estimated at 0.3% (higher than 23% of all known vulnerabilities).

Severity (CVSS 3.0)7.3High

Exploit odds (30 days)0.3%top 77.4% of all CVEs

Exploited in the wildNo reportsCISA SSVC: none

Attack toolingNoneno public tooling known

Official description

PDF-XChange Editor TrackerUpdate Uncontrolled Search Path Element Local Privilege Escalation Vulnerability. This vulnerability allows local attackers to escalate privileges on affected installations of PDF-XChange Editor. An attacker must first obtain the ability to execute low-privileged code on the target system in order to exploit this vulnerability. The specific flaw exists within the TrackerUpdate process. The product loads a library from an unsecured location. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges and execute code in the context of a target user. Was ZDI-CAN-27788.

Affected products (as reported)

Vendor	Product	Versions
PDF-XChange	PDF-XChange Editor	10.7.2.400

Weakness: CWE-427 · Vector: CVSS:3.0/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

References

ZDI-26-122 x_research-advisory