Stack-based buffer overflow in Notepad++ - #VU145000
Published: August 24, 2026
Vulnerability identifier: #VU145000
CSH Severity: High
CVSS v4: 8.6 [CVSS:4.0/AV:N/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 execute arbitrary code.
The vulnerability exists due to stack-based buffer overflow in PluginsManager::loadPluginFromPath() when loading a plugin DLL and processing the exported GetLexerCount() return value. A remote attacker can place a specially crafted plugin DLL that returns a value greater than 30 to execute arbitrary code.
User interaction is required to start Notepad++ after the malicious plugin is installed.
Affected software
Notepad++
Remediation
Install security update from vendor's website.
Notepad++ - update to 8.9.6.1