Vulnerability 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.
CVSS Score
MEDIUM
Related Weaknesses (CWE)
References
- https://github.com/notepad-plus-plus/notepad-plus-plus/commit/4cd74cb9347b9c6caa
- 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-2026-85288?
CVE-2026-85288 is a vulnerability with a CVSS score of 6.7 (MEDIUM). 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 ...
How severe is CVE-2026-85288?
CVE-2026-85288 has been rated MEDIUM with a CVSS base score of 6.7/10. Review the CVSS metrics above for detailed severity breakdown.
Is there a patch for CVE-2026-85288?
Check the references section above for vendor advisories and patch information. Review vendor security bulletins for remediation guidance.