CVE-2022-32168: Notepad++ versions 8.4.1 and before are vulnerable to DLL hijacking where an attacker can replace the vulnerab

This month

HIGH 7.8UPGRADE

CVE-2022-32168 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.8) affecting notepad\+\+. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Notepad++ versions 8.4.1 and before are vulnerable to DLL hijacking where an attacker can replace the vulnerable dll (UxTheme.dll) with his own dll and run arbitrary code in the context of Notepad++.

Why this priority

High severity
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	0.8% (top 45%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-427
Published	2022-09-28
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): Mend · Vendor: notepad-plus-plus

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2022-09-28 09:15 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 04:46 UTCUpdated Record last modified

notepad-plus-plus notepad\+\+ UPGRADE

Affected: >= 8.3 and < 8.4.5

Fixed in: 8.4.5

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 8.3

1. Check installed version

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

2. UPGRADE to 8.4.5 (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.

3. If no update is available yet, DOWNGRADE to a release before 8.3 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison notepad++ sudo apt install notepad++=<VERSION_BEFORE_8.3> sudo apt-mark hold notepad++

3. If no update is available yet, DOWNGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

dnf --showduplicates list notepad++ sudo dnf downgrade notepad++-<VERSION_BEFORE_8.3> sudo dnf versionlock add notepad++

Downgrade risk

Downgrading can break dependent software and may reopen older bugs. Read the distro advisory first and test on a non-production host.

After downgrade

Restart the service, and keep the package held until a fixed release ships.

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-2022-32168?

notepad\+\+: upgrade to 8.4.5. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2022-32168 being exploited?

CVE-2022-32168 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-2022-32168 affect?

CVE-2022-32168 affects notepad\+\+. Severity is high (CVSS 7.8). Notepad++ versions 8.4.1 and before are vulnerable to DLL hijacking where an attacker can replace the vulnerable dll (UxTheme.dll) with his own dll and run arbitrary code in the context of Notepad++.

How urgent is CVE-2022-32168?

Priority 46/100. High severity; Public exploit reference

Software pages

Notepad++ vulnerabilities

Related CVEs

CVE-2026-5525 MEDIUM 6.0 DOWNGRADE A stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability exists in Notepad++ version 8.9.3 in the file drop handler compone
CVE-2022-31902 MEDIUM 5.5 UPGRADE Notepad++ v8.4.1 was discovered to contain a stack overflow via the component Finder::add().
CVE-2026-48800 HIGH 7.8 UPGRADE Notepad++ is a free and open-source source code editor
CVE-2026-52885 MEDIUM 6.3 UPGRADE Notepad++ is a free and open-source source code editor
CVE-2026-52884 HIGH 7.8 DOWNGRADE Notepad++ is a free and open-source source code editor

References

← Back to latest CVEs