CVE-2019-16294: SciLexer.dll in Scintilla in Notepad++ (x64) before 7.7 allows remote code execution or denial of service via

Q: How do I fix CVE-2019-16294?

notepad\+\+: upgrade to 7.7; scintilla: mitigate or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Q: Is CVE-2019-16294 being exploited?

CVE-2019-16294 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

Q: What does CVE-2019-16294 affect?

CVE-2019-16294 affects notepad\+\+, scintilla. Severity is high (CVSS 7.8). SciLexer.dll in Scintilla in Notepad++ (x64) before 7.7 allows remote code execution or denial of service via Unicode characters in a crafted .ml file.

Q: How urgent is CVE-2019-16294?

Priority 56/100. High severity; EPSS top 4%: very likely to be exploited; Public exploit reference

This week

HIGH 7.8UPGRADEMITIGATE

CVE-2019-16294 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.8) affecting notepad\+\+, scintilla. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

SciLexer.dll in Scintilla in Notepad++ (x64) before 7.7 allows remote code execution or denial of service via Unicode characters in a crafted .ml file.

Why this priority

High severity
EPSS top 4%: very likely to be exploited
Public exploit reference

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.8 (High)
Attack vector	Local
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	Required
EPSS exploit chance	9.8% (top 4%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-787
Published	2019-09-14
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: notepad-plus-plus · scintilla

Last updated 2026-06-17 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2019-09-14 16:15 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 02:22 UTCUpdated Record last modified

notepad-plus-plus notepad\+\+ UPGRADE

Affected: < 7.7

Fixed in: 7.7

Safe to downgrade to: no unaffected older release

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy notepad++ || rpm -q notepad++ || notepad++ --version

2. UPGRADE to 7.7 (Debian / Ubuntu)

sudo apt update && sudo apt install --only-upgrade notepad++

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade notepad++

Note

Distros often backport fixes without changing the version number. Confirm with the distro advisory or changelog.

scintilla scintilla MITIGATE

Affected: all versions

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: no unaffected older release

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy scintilla || rpm -q scintilla || scintilla --version

No fixed or unaffected release known

Apply the vendor mitigation from the advisory, disable the affected feature, or restrict network access.

Public exploits and detection

Public code exists for this CVE. Treat unpatched systems as at risk, and only run PoCs in a lab.

Exploit-DB: Notepad++ < 7.7 (x64) - Denial of Service

Verify at the official source NVD · CVE Program · Report a problem with this page
Scores and fixes here are computed automatically from those and other public sources. Confirm with the vendor advisory before changing production systems.

Quick answers

How do I fix CVE-2019-16294?

notepad\+\+: upgrade to 7.7; scintilla: mitigate or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2019-16294 being exploited?

CVE-2019-16294 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

What does CVE-2019-16294 affect?

CVE-2019-16294 affects notepad\+\+, scintilla. Severity is high (CVSS 7.8). SciLexer.dll in Scintilla in Notepad++ (x64) before 7.7 allows remote code execution or denial of service via Unicode characters in a crafted .ml file.

How urgent is CVE-2019-16294?

Priority 56/100. High severity; EPSS top 4%: very likely to be exploited; Public exploit reference

Software pages

Notepad++ vulnerabilities

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References

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