CVE-2026-77605
Received Received - Intake

Path Traversal in Notepad++ via Folder as Workspace Run

Publication date: 2026-09-22

Last updated on: 2026-09-22

Assigner: GitHub, Inc.

Description
Notepad++ is a free and open-source source code editor. Prior to 8.9.8, the Folder as Workspace Run by system action in Notepad++ can resolve a different sibling file than the file selected by the user. When an attacker places a command script whose name is the selected text-file path with .cmd appended, and the user invokes Run by system on the text file on Windows 10 or Windows 11, Notepad++ can execute the sibling script as the current user instead of opening the selected file. This issue is fixed in version 8.9.8.

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Meta Information

Published
2026-09-22
Last Modified
2026-09-22
Generated
2026-09-22
AI Q&A
2026-09-22
EPSS Evaluated
N/A
NVD
CVE-2026-77605
EUVD
EUVD-2026-84573

Affected Vendors & Products

Showing 1 associated CPE
Vendor Product Version / Range
notepad++ notepad++ 8.9.8

Helpful Resources

Exploitability

CWE
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KEV
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CWE ID Description
CWE-20 The product receives input or data, but it does not validate or incorrectly validates that the input has the properties that are required to process the data safely and correctly.
CWE-706 The product uses a name or reference to access a resource, but the name/reference resolves to a resource that is outside of the intended control sphere.

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Executive Summary

CVE-2026-77605 is a vulnerability in Notepad++ versions 8.9 and earlier. It involves the 'Run by system' feature, which incorrectly executes a sibling .cmd file when a user selects a .txt file and triggers the feature. For example, if a user selects demo.txt and uses 'Run by system', Notepad++ may execute demo.txt.cmd instead, leading to unintended command execution as the current user.

Detection Guidance

To detect this vulnerability, check if you are running Notepad++ version 8.9 or earlier on Windows 10 or Windows 11. Verify if the 'Run by system' feature is enabled and test if executing it on a .txt file triggers unintended .cmd file execution.

Impact Analysis

This vulnerability allows an attacker to execute arbitrary commands on your system by tricking you into using the 'Run by system' feature on a file they control. Since the attack runs as your user account, it could lead to data theft, malware installation, or other malicious activities without elevated privileges.

Mitigation Strategies

Immediately update Notepad++ to version 8.9.8 or later. If updating is not possible, disable the 'Run by system' feature in Notepad++ settings to prevent potential exploitation.

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