CVE-2026-52886

What it is

Notepad++ is a free and open-source source code editor. Prior to 8.9.7, Notepad++ validates the backupFilePath attribute from session.xml with std::wstring::starts_with against the expected backup directory without path normalization, allowing parent-directory sequences during snapshot-mode restoration to read an arbitrary user-readable file outside the backup directory into an editor tab. This issue is fixed in version 8.9.7.

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.

Exploit odds

0.2% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS).

Fix

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

Timeline

1. 2026-08-17 20:16 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2. 2026-09-09 21:11 UTC Last updatedMost recent change to the record

Details

Published

2026-08-17 20:16 UTC

Last modified

2026-09-09 21:11 UTC

Exploit probability

0.2% · EPSS, next 30 days

Weakness

CWE-22 · Path traversal

Record status

Awaiting Analysis

Attack profile CVSS 4.0 · 5.1

Attack vector

Local

Complexity

Low

Attack requirements

None

Privileges needed

Low

User interaction

Passive

Confidentiality

High

Integrity

None

Availability

None