CVE-2026-46710: Notepad++ is a free and open-source source code editor

Routine

HIGH 7.8UPGRADE

CVE-2026-46710 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++ is a free and open-source source code editor. From 8.9.4 until 8.9.6, Notepad++ contains a local privilege escalation vulnerability in the installer. During installation, the installer invokes powershell.exe without using an absolute path after setting the working directory to the installation contextMenu directory. If an attacker can pre-place a malicious powershell.exe in a user-writable custom installation directory, and a privileged

Why this priority

High severity

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	0.2% (top 96%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-426
Published	2026-06-26
Last modified	2026-06-29

Publisher (CNA): GitHub, Inc. · Vendor: notepad-plus-plus

Last updated 2026-06-29 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2026-06-26 21:16 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-29 21:21 UTCUpdated Record last modified

notepad-plus-plus notepad\+\+ UPGRADE

Affected: >= 8.9.4 and < 8.9.6

Fixed in: 8.9.6

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 8.9.4

1. Check installed version

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

2. UPGRADE to 8.9.6 (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 8.9.4 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison notepad++ sudo apt install notepad++=<VERSION_BEFORE_8.9.4> 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_8.9.4> 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-2026-46710?

notepad\+\+: upgrade to 8.9.6. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2026-46710 being exploited?

CVE-2026-46710 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-2026-46710 affect?

CVE-2026-46710 affects notepad\+\+. Severity is high (CVSS 7.8). Notepad++ is a free and open-source source code editor. From 8.9.4 until 8.9.6, Notepad++ contains a local privilege escalation vulnerability in the installer. During installation, the installer invokes powershell.exe without using an absol

How urgent is CVE-2026-46710?

Priority 28/100. High severity

Software pages

PowerShell vulnerabilities · 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-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
CVE-2026-48778 HIGH 7.8 UPGRADE Notepad++ is a free and open-source source code editor

References

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