CVE-2026-25926

What it is

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.

At a glance

Exploitability

Can be exploited locally on the machine with a low-privilege account, but needs a user to act. High risk of data exposure, data tampering, service disruption.

Exploit odds

0.3% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS).

Fix

A patch, advisory or fixed version is referenced. Upgrade or apply it.

Timeline

1. 2026-02-19 00:16 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2. 2026-06-17 10:25 UTC Last updatedMost recent change to the record

Why it ranks here

• Exploited in the wild: no, CISA does not list it.
• Exploit odds: 0.3% in the next 30 days (EPSS).
• Severity: 7.3 HIGH (CVSS).
• Fix: a patch or advisory is linked.

Details

Published

2026-02-19 00:16 UTC

Last modified

2026-06-17 10:25 UTC

Exploit probability

0.3% · EPSS, next 30 days

Weakness

CWE-426

Record status

Analyzed

Affected

• notepad-plus-plus notepad\+\+ < 8.9.2

Attack profile CVSS 3.1 · 7.3

Attack vector

Local

Complexity

Low

Privileges needed

Low

User interaction

Required

Scope

Unchanged

Confidentiality

High

Integrity

High

Availability

High

Is it in your code?

Hand this to your coding agent. It searches your project for the affected products and checks versions. Nothing leaves your machine.

Read https://cve-list.com/agent/cve/CVE-2026-25926.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2026-25926. Read only. Don't change anything and don't upload my code. Tell me yes, no or not sure, with the file as proof.

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