PATHhijackaukset

PATHhijackaukset refers to a type of cyberattack where an attacker manipulates the system's PATH environment variable to gain unauthorized access or execute malicious code. The PATH variable is a critical system setting that tells the operating system where to look for executable files. When a user or the system attempts to run a program, it searches the directories listed in the PATH variable in order. Attackers can exploit this by inserting a malicious executable file into a directory that appears earlier in the PATH than the legitimate program's location.

When a program is then executed, the operating system might unknowingly run the attacker's malicious file instead. This can lead to various consequences, such as the installation of malware, data theft, or system compromise. PATH hijacking is often used in conjunction with other vulnerabilities or social engineering tactics to trick users into running the compromised program.

Mitigation strategies include regularly reviewing and securing the PATH environment variable, especially on shared systems or systems accessible from untrusted networks. Ensuring that directories listed in the PATH have appropriate permissions and are not writable by non-privileged users is also crucial. Developers should also be mindful of how their applications interact with the PATH and avoid relying on it for critical security functions. Operating system updates and security patches often address known vulnerabilities related to environment variable manipulation.