CVE-2026-52884: Notepad++ is a free and open-source source code editor

Routine

HIGH 7.8DOWNGRADE

CVE-2026-52884 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. In v8.9.6.1, isInTrustedDirectory() does NOT canonicalize the path before checking. It uses a prefix-based check (PathIsPrefix() or equivalent) that matches paths starting with trusted directory strings. A path traversal using ..\..\ after a trusted directory prefix passes the check while resolving to an untrusted location. The CVE-2026-48800 patch adds isInTrustedDirectory() validation in C

Why this priority

High severity
Public exploit reference

No fix is published yet: follow the downgrade or mitigation steps.

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 89%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-42
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 21:22 UTCUpdated Record last modified

notepad-plus-plus notepad\+\+ DOWNGRADE

Affected: 8.9.6.1

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 8.9.6.1

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 8.9.6.1 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison notepad++ sudo apt install notepad++=<VERSION_BEFORE_8.9.6.1> sudo apt-mark hold notepad++

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

dnf --showduplicates list notepad++ sudo dnf downgrade notepad++-<VERSION_BEFORE_8.9.6.1> 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-2026-52884?

notepad\+\+: downgrade or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2026-52884 being exploited?

CVE-2026-52884 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-2026-52884 affect?

CVE-2026-52884 affects notepad\+\+. Severity is high (CVSS 7.8). Notepad++ is a free and open-source source code editor. In v8.9.6.1, isInTrustedDirectory() does NOT canonicalize the path before checking. It uses a prefix-based check (PathIsPrefix() or equivalent) that matches paths starting with trusted

How urgent is CVE-2026-52884?

Priority 35/100. 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-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-2026-48778 HIGH 7.8 UPGRADE Notepad++ is a free and open-source source code editor
CVE-2026-48770 MEDIUM 5.0 UPGRADE Notepad++ is a free and open-source source code editor

References

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