Stack-based buffer overflow in Notepad++ - #VU144997
Published: August 24, 2026
Vulnerability identifier: #VU144997
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-121
Exploitation vector: Remote access
Exploit availability:
No public exploit available
Vulnerability details
The vulnerability allows a remote attacker to cause a denial of service.
The vulnerability exists due to stack-based buffer overflow in NppParameters::writeSession when processing an overlong session path from the -settingsDir command-line option during session backup creation. A remote attacker can supply a specially crafted settings directory path and trigger application exit to cause a denial of service.
User interaction is required to launch Notepad++ with the crafted command-line argument.
Affected software
Notepad++
Remediation
Install security update from vendor's website.
Notepad++ - update to 8.9.7