Thank you for linking to the GitHub Issue.
And here is the explanation how the search function works by design:
The search function spans the full path including back slashes, and - for convenience - surrounds the search term with asterisks wildcards (as you told). Further wildcards can be used within the search term, while doubling asterisks leads to malefunction (at least in leading position). Alternatively RegEx can be used.
As long as this is observed search works without troubles.
To overcome the malefunction someone versed could try to eliminate any double asterisks (or any cumulation of wildcards) from the search phrase before it is applied.