Improper privilege management in Notepad++ - #VU144987
Published: August 24, 2026
Vulnerability identifier: #VU144987
CSH Severity: High
CVSS v4: 8.4 [CVSS:4.0/AV:L/AC:L/AT:N/PR:N/UI:A/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N]
CVE-ID: N/A
CWE-ID: CWE-269
Exploitation vector: Local access
Exploit availability:
No public exploit available
Vulnerability details
The vulnerability allows a local user to execute arbitrary code with administrator privileges.
The vulnerability exists due to improper privilege management in the WM_COMMAND handling for user-defined commands when sending a crafted WM_COMMAND message to an elevated Notepad++ instance after forging the HMAC protecting shortcuts.xml. A local user can send a crafted WM_COMMAND message that triggers a forged user-defined command to execute arbitrary code with administrator privileges.
User interaction is required to have an elevated Notepad++ instance running.
Affected software
Notepad++
Remediation
Install security update from vendor's website.
Notepad++ - update to 8.9.8