Vulnerability Description
Notepad++ is a free and open-source source code editor. Prior to 8.9.7, macros loaded from an attacker-controlled shortcuts.xml bypass the HMAC validation applied to UserDefinedCommands and can invoke Scintilla actions and the internal Open in Default Viewer command in an elevated Notepad++ process, allowing protected file modification and conditional elevated command execution when a local attacker influences settingsDir and a user triggers the macro. This issue is fixed in version 8.9.7.
Related Weaknesses (CWE)
References
- https://github.com/notepad-plus-plus/notepad-plus-plus/commit/7686e5a3025eaf1fb8
- https://github.com/notepad-plus-plus/notepad-plus-plus/releases/tag/v8.9.7
- https://github.com/notepad-plus-plus/notepad-plus-plus/security/advisories/GHSA-
- https://github.com/notepad-plus-plus/notepad-plus-plus/security/advisories/GHSA-
FAQ
What is CVE-2026-71858?
CVE-2026-71858 is a documented vulnerability. Notepad++ is a free and open-source source code editor. Prior to 8.9.7, macros loaded from an attacker-controlled shortcuts.xml bypass the HMAC validation applied to UserDefinedCommands and can invoke...
How severe is CVE-2026-71858?
CVSS scoring is not yet available for CVE-2026-71858. Check NVD for updates.
Is there a patch for CVE-2026-71858?
Check the references section above for vendor advisories and patch information. Review vendor security bulletins for remediation guidance.