CVE-2026-85995

What it is

Notepad++ is a free and open-source source code editor. From 8.9.7 until 8.9.8, the Notepad++ updater and signature verification path can accept a modified GUP.exe file whose embedded certificate metadata remains present even though its Authenticode digest is invalid. An attacker who can replace or plant the updater-related file can cause Notepad++ to launch attacker-modified code when a user triggers the updater path, but the issue does not provide remote code execution by itself. This issue is fixed in version 8.9.8.

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

0.1% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS).

Fix

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

Timeline

1. 2026-09-22 18:17 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2. 2026-09-23 18:28 UTC Last updatedMost recent change to the record

Details

Published

2026-09-22 18:17 UTC

Last modified

2026-09-23 18:28 UTC

Exploit probability

0.1% · EPSS, next 30 days

Weakness

CWE-347

Record status

Awaiting Analysis

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