Notepad++ is a free and open-source source code editor. In versions 8.8.1 and prior, a privilege escalation vulnerability exists in the Notepad++ v8.8.1 installer that allows unprivileged users to gain SYSTEM-level privileges through insecure executable search paths. An attacker could use social engineering or clickjacking to trick users into downloading both the legitimate installer and a malicious executable to the same directory (typically Downloads folder - which is known as Vulnerable directory). Upon running the installer, the attack executes automatically with SYSTEM privileges. This issue has been fixed and will be released in version 8.8.2.
| Product | Vendor Advisory | Solution File | Added | Published |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Notepad Plus Plus | — | Upgrade NotepadPlusPlus to the latest version | Apr 27, 2026 | Jun 23, 2025 |
| Notepad Plus Plus Notepad Plus Plus | — | — | Sep 10, 2025 | Jun 23, 2025 |
| Notepadplusplus | — | — | Sep 9, 2025 | Jun 23, 2025 |
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