CVE-2026-48778
Notepad++: Arbitrary Code Execution via config.xml commandLineInterpreter
- Published
- Jun 26, 2026
- Updated
- Jun 29, 2026
- Assigning CNA
- GitHub_M
- Evidence observed
- May 30, 2026
Primary CVSS
nvd · CVSS 3.1
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:HLow · next 30 days
- Percentile
- 48.0%
- Model date
- Sep 21, 2026
EPSS is a statistical estimate, not a certainty or a measure of impact. Combine it with CVSS, KEV status, exposure and your environment.
Summary
Notepad++ is a free and open-source source code editor. Prior to 8.9.6.1, the <GUIConfig name="commandLineInterpreter"> tag in config.xml is read by NppXml::value() (Parameters.cpp:6430) and stored in _nppGUI._commandLineInterpreter without any validation, whitelist, or digital signature check. When the user triggers IDM_FILE_OPEN_CMD (File → Open Containing Folder → cmd), NppCommands.cpp:228 creates a Command object with this value and calls run(), which invokes ShellExecute (RunDlg.cpp:221) with the attacker-controlled string as the executable path. This vulnerability is fixed in 8.9.6.1.
Sources
4Proof-of-concept scripts for three vulnerabilities in Notepad++ <= 8.9.6, patched in v8.9.6.1 (2026-05-26) CVE-2026-48770 / CVE-2026-48778 / CVE-2026-48800
Proof-of-concept exploit for CVE-2026-48778, demonstrating arbitrary code execution in Notepad++ ≤ 8.9.6 via the 'Open Containing Folder' feature. Published for educational research.
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