Windows
CVE-2026-25926
HIGH
Severity by source
AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
Primary rating from GitHub Advisory · only source for this CVE.
CVSS VectorGitHub Advisory
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
Lifecycle Timeline
3DescriptionGitHub Advisory
Notepad++ is a free and open-source source code editor. An Unsafe Search Path vulnerability (CWE-426) exists in versions prior to 8.9.2 when launching Windows Explorer without an absolute executable path. This may allow execution of a malicious explorer.exe if an attacker can control the process working directory. Under certain conditions, this could lead to arbitrary code execution in the context of the running application. Version 8.9.2 patches the issue.
AnalysisAI
Notepad++ versions before 8.9.2 allow local code execution through an unsafe search path vulnerability that permits attackers to hijack the Windows Explorer executable if they control the process working directory. A user with local access running the affected application could be tricked into executing a malicious explorer.exe, leading to arbitrary code execution with application privileges. …
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Attack ChainAIDerived
Hypothetical attack flow derived from CVE metadata
Vulnerability AssessmentAI
| Exploitation | Notepad++ versions prior to 8.9.2 with Windows Explorer launch feature; attacker must control process working directory (e.g., shared folder, user-writable location); user interaction required to trigger Explorer launch via UI. Additional conditions and limiting factors are described in the full assessment. |
| Risk Assessment | CVSS 7.3 (HIGH). … Full risk analysis with EPSS, KEV, and SSVC signal comparison available after sign-in. |
| Exploit Scenario | An attacker could exploit this vulnerability to execution of a malicious explorer. |
| Remediation | Monitor vendor advisories for a patch. Detailed patch versions, workarounds, and compensating controls in full report. |
Recommended ActionAI
Within 24 hours: Inventory all Notepad++ installations across the organization and identify systems running versions prior to 8.9.2. …
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