CVE-2026-25926

Name: CVE-2026-25926
Creator: NVD / NIST
Published: 2026-02-19T00:16:21.787+00:00
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

HIGHCVSS 7.3/10EPSS 0.25%

Last modified Jun 17, 2026

CVE-2026-25926 is a high-severity vulnerability rated 7.3/10 on the CVSS scale. Notepad++ is a free and open-source source code editor. An Unsafe Search Path vulnerability (CWE-426) exists in versions prior to 8.9.2 when launching Windows Explorer without an absolute executable path. EPSS estimates a 0.25% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days.

Description

Notepad++ is a free and open-source source code editor. An Unsafe Search Path vulnerability (CWE-426) exists in versions prior to 8.9.2 when launching Windows Explorer without an absolute executable path. This may allow execution of a malicious explorer.exe if an attacker can control the process working directory. Under certain conditions, this could lead to arbitrary code execution in the context of the running application. Version 8.9.2 patches the issue.

Metrics

CVSS 3.1

7.3/10

CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

EPSS Probability

0.25%

15.9th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Weakness Enumeration

CWE-426

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Notepad-Plus-Plus	Notepad\+\+	< 8.9.2

References

https://github.com/notepad-plus-plus/notepad-plus-plus/releases/tag/v8.9.2Product, Release Notes
https://github.com/notepad-plus-plus/notepad-plus-plus/security/advisories/GHSA-rjvm-fcxw-2jxqExploit, Vendor Advisory
https://notepad-plus-plus.org/news/v892-releasedPress/Media Coverage

Timeline

Published: Feb 19, 2026
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Analyzed

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2026-25926?

How severe is CVE-2026-25926?

CVE-2026-25926 has a CVSS score of 7.3/10 (HIGH severity). The EPSS model estimates a 0.25% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2026-25926?

Check the vendor references and advisories linked above for patched versions and mitigation guidance. You can also run a Strix scan to test if your systems are affected.

Are you affected by CVE-2026-25926?

Run a free Strix scan to check your systems for this vulnerability.

Scan your code now

Source: NVD / NIST