CVE-2026-85288
Received Received - Intake

Notepad++ Macro Execution via Tampered shortcuts.xml

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, Notepad++ incompletely enforces shortcuts.xml HMAC validation because WM_MACRODLGRUNMACRO, the Run a Macro Multiple Times entry point, calls macroPlayback() without the validation used by command(). A tampered shortcuts.xml macro that is blocked through the Macro menu or a shortcut key can therefore execute through the multi-run dialog and invoke internal Notepad++ commands, including commands that launch external programs, in the current user context. 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-2026-85288
EUVD
EUVD-2026-84571

Affected Vendors & Products

Showing 2 associated CPEs
Vendor Product Version / Range
notepad++ notepad++ 8.9.8
notepad++ notepad++ to 8.9.8 (exc)

Helpful Resources

Exploitability

CWE
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KEV
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CWE ID Description
CWE-345 The product does not sufficiently verify the origin or authenticity of data, in a way that causes it to accept invalid data.
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.
CWE-693 The product does not use or incorrectly uses a protection mechanism that provides sufficient defense against directed attacks against the product.

Attack-Flow Graph

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Executive Summary

This vulnerability affects Notepad++ versions before 8.9.8. It involves incomplete HMAC validation for the shortcuts.xml file. The 'Run a Macro Multiple Times' feature allows tampered macros to execute internal commands without proper validation, bypassing security checks that exist in other macro execution paths.

Detection Guidance

Check Notepad++ version with Help > About Notepad++. If version is below 8.9.8, the system is vulnerable. Inspect shortcuts.xml for unexpected macros or tampered entries. Look for unauthorized command executions in system logs or user activity.

Impact Analysis

An attacker could modify shortcuts.xml to include malicious macros that execute commands in your user context. This could allow opening a command interpreter or default file viewer without triggering warnings, potentially leading to unauthorized actions on your system.

Compliance Impact

This vulnerability could potentially affect compliance with GDPR and HIPAA by allowing unauthorized execution of commands through tampered macros. If exploited, it may lead to unauthorized access or data exfiltration, violating confidentiality and integrity requirements in these regulations.

Mitigation Strategies

Upgrade Notepad++ to version 8.9.8 or later immediately. Validate shortcuts.xml integrity via Notepad++ menu: Macro > Modify Shortcut/Delete Macro > Validate shortcuts.xml. Remove any unrecognized macros and review file permissions.

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