Vulnerability Description
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 Score
HIGH
Related Weaknesses (CWE)
References
- https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/11yeUSWgqHvt4Bz5jO3ilRRfcpQZ6Gvpn
- https://github.com/notepad-plus-plus/notepad-plus-plus/commit/f2346ea00d5b4d907e
- https://github.com/notepad-plus-plus/notepad-plus-plus/security/advisories/GHSA-
- https://www.vicarius.io/vsociety/posts/cve-2025-49144-detect-notepad-vulnerabili
- https://www.vicarius.io/vsociety/posts/cve-2025-49144-detect-notepad-vulnerabili
- https://www.vicarius.io/vsociety/posts/cve-2025-49144-mitigate-notepad-vulnerabi
- https://www.vicarius.io/vsociety/posts/cve-2025-49144-mitigate-notepad-vulnerabi
FAQ
What is CVE-2025-49144?
CVE-2025-49144 is a vulnerability with a CVSS score of 7.3 (HIGH). 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 gai...
How severe is CVE-2025-49144?
CVE-2025-49144 has been rated HIGH with a CVSS base score of 7.3/10. Review the CVSS metrics above for detailed severity breakdown.
Is there a patch for CVE-2025-49144?
Check the references section above for vendor advisories and patch information. Review vendor security bulletins for remediation guidance.