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.
CVSS Details
- CVSS 3.1 Base Score: 7.3
- CVSS 3.1 Vector: (CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H)
Covered by Rapid7
| 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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