Command Injection in Notepad++ via config.xml

Publication date: 2026-06-26

Last updated on: 2026-06-29

Assigner: GitHub, Inc.

Description

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.

CVSS Scores

EPSS Scores

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Meta Information

Published

2026-06-26

Last Modified

2026-06-29

Generated

2026-07-17

AI Q&A

2026-06-27

EPSS Evaluated

2026-07-15

NVD

CVE-2026-48778

Affected Vendors & Products

Vendor	Product	Version / Range
notepad-plus-plus	notepad++	to 8.9.6.1 (exc)

Helpful Resources

Exploitability

CWE

KEV

CWE ID	Description
CWE-78	The product constructs all or part of an OS command using externally-influenced input from an upstream component, but it does not neutralize or incorrectly neutralizes special elements that could modify the intended OS command when it is sent to a downstream component.

Attack-Flow Graph

Executive Summary

This vulnerability exists in Notepad++ versions prior to 8.9.6.1. The application reads the <GUIConfig name="commandLineInterpreter"> tag from its config.xml file without any validation, whitelist, or digital signature check. This value is stored and later used as the executable path when the user triggers the 'Open Containing Folder → cmd' command. Because the value is attacker-controlled and unchecked, it allows an attacker to execute arbitrary commands or programs by manipulating this configuration.

Impact Analysis

This vulnerability can lead to the execution of arbitrary code with the privileges of the user running Notepad++. An attacker could exploit this to run malicious commands or programs, potentially leading to full compromise of the affected system, including confidentiality, integrity, and availability impacts.

Mitigation Strategies

To mitigate this vulnerability, update Notepad++ to version 8.9.6.1 or later, where the issue has been fixed.

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