Vulnerability Description
Notepad++ is a free and open-source source code editor. Prior to 8.9.8, Notepad++ contains a stack buffer overflow in PluginsManager::loadPluginFromPath in PowerEditor/src/MISC/PluginsManager/PluginsManager.cpp because the plugin-supplied GetLexerCount() result controls a loop that writes to containers[30] without enforcing NB_MAX_EXTERNAL_LANG. A malicious or compromised plugin that reports more than 30 lexers can write beyond the stack array and corrupt control data, which can permit arbitrary code execution in the Notepad++ process context. This issue is fixed in version 8.9.8.
CVSS Score
HIGH
Related Weaknesses (CWE)
References
- https://github.com/notepad-plus-plus/notepad-plus-plus/commit/70b88f95311d88523c
- https://github.com/notepad-plus-plus/notepad-plus-plus/commit/f1e1c71b090d69ca0f
- https://github.com/notepad-plus-plus/notepad-plus-plus/releases/tag/v8.9.8
- https://github.com/notepad-plus-plus/notepad-plus-plus/security/advisories/GHSA-
- https://notepad-plus-plus.org/news/v898-released
- https://github.com/notepad-plus-plus/notepad-plus-plus/security/advisories/GHSA-
FAQ
What is CVE-2026-85279?
CVE-2026-85279 is a vulnerability with a CVSS score of 8.6 (HIGH). Notepad++ is a free and open-source source code editor. Prior to 8.9.8, Notepad++ contains a stack buffer overflow in PluginsManager::loadPluginFromPath in PowerEditor/src/MISC/PluginsManager/PluginsM...
How severe is CVE-2026-85279?
CVE-2026-85279 has been rated HIGH with a CVSS base score of 8.6/10. Review the CVSS metrics above for detailed severity breakdown.
Is there a patch for CVE-2026-85279?
Check the references section above for vendor advisories and patch information. Review vendor security bulletins for remediation guidance.