Notepad++ is a free and open-source source code editor. In versions 8.8.1 and prior, a privilege escalation vulnerability exists in the Notepad++ v8.8.1 installer that allows unprivileged users to gain SYSTEM-level privileges through insecure executable search paths. An attacker could use social engineering or clickjacking to trick users into downloading both the legitimate installer and a malicious executable to the same directory (typically Downloads folder - which is known as Vulnerable directory). Upon running the installer, the attack executes automatically with SYSTEM privileges. This issue has been fixed and will be released in version 8.8.2.
History

Mon, 23 Jun 2025 20:15:00 +0000

Type Values Removed Values Added
Metrics ssvc

{'options': {'Automatable': 'no', 'Exploitation': 'poc', 'Technical Impact': 'total'}, 'version': '2.0.3'}


Mon, 23 Jun 2025 19:15:00 +0000

Type Values Removed Values Added
Description Notepad++ is a free and open-source source code editor. In versions 8.8.1 and prior, a privilege escalation vulnerability exists in the Notepad++ v8.8.1 installer that allows unprivileged users to gain SYSTEM-level privileges through insecure executable search paths. An attacker could use social engineering or clickjacking to trick users into downloading both the legitimate installer and a malicious executable to the same directory (typically Downloads folder - which is known as Vulnerable directory). Upon running the installer, the attack executes automatically with SYSTEM privileges. This issue has been fixed and will be released in version 8.8.2.
Title Notepad++ Privilege Escalation in Installer via Uncontrolled Executable Search Path
Weaknesses CWE-272
CWE-276
CWE-427
References
Metrics cvssV3_1

{'score': 7.3, 'vector': 'CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H'}


cve-icon MITRE

Status: PUBLISHED

Assigner: GitHub_M

Published: 2025-06-23T19:01:16.276Z

Updated: 2025-07-01T03:55:56.212Z

Reserved: 2025-06-02T10:39:41.634Z

Link: CVE-2025-49144

cve-icon Vulnrichment

Updated: 2025-06-23T19:23:25.242Z

cve-icon NVD

Status : Awaiting Analysis

Published: 2025-06-23T19:15:23.727

Modified: 2025-06-23T20:16:21.633

Link: CVE-2025-49144

cve-icon Redhat

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