Notepad++ up to 8.9.7 Macro shortcuts.xml macroPlayback access control

CVSS Meta Temp Score
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CTI Interest Score
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5.6$0-$5k0.45

Summaryinfo

A vulnerability described as problematic has been identified in Notepad++ up to 8.9.7. This impacts the function macroPlayback of the file shortcuts.xml of the component Macro. Such manipulation leads to access control. This vulnerability is referenced as CVE-2026-85288. The attack can only be performed from a local environment. No exploit is available. Upgrading the affected component is recommended.

Detailsinfo

A vulnerability was found in Notepad++ up to 8.9.7 and classified as problematic. Affected by this issue is the function macroPlayback of the file shortcuts.xml of the component Macro. The manipulation with an unknown input leads to a access control vulnerability. Using CWE to declare the problem leads to CWE-284. The product does not restrict or incorrectly restricts access to a resource from an unauthorized actor. Impacted is confidentiality, integrity, and availability. CVE summarizes:

Notepad++ is a free and open-source source code editor. Prior to 8.9.8, Notepad++ incompletely enforces shortcuts.xml HMAC validation because WM_MACRODLGRUNMACRO, the Run a Macro Multiple Times entry point, calls macroPlayback() without the validation used by command(). A tampered shortcuts.xml macro that is blocked through the Macro menu or a shortcut key can therefore execute through the multi-run dialog and invoke internal Notepad++ commands, including commands that launch external programs, in the current user context. This issue is fixed in version 8.9.8.

The advisory is shared for download at github.com. This vulnerability is handled as CVE-2026-85288 since 09/03/2026. The exploitation is known to be easy. The attack needs to be approached locally. Successful exploitation requires user interaction by the victim. There are known technical details, but no exploit is available. The MITRE ATT&CK project declares the attack technique as T1068.

By approaching the search of inurl:shortcuts.xml it is possible to find vulnerable targets with Google Hacking.

Upgrading to version 8.9.8 eliminates this vulnerability.

VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.

Productinfo

Type

Name

Version

CPE 2.3info

CPE 2.2info

CVSSv4info

VulDB Vector: 🔒
VulDB Reliability: 🔍

CVSSv3info

VulDB Meta Base Score: 5.7
VulDB Meta Temp Score: 5.6

VulDB Base Score: 4.8
VulDB Temp Score: 4.6
VulDB Vector: 🔒
VulDB Reliability: 🔍

CNA Base Score: 6.7
CNA Vector (GitHub_M): 🔒

CVSSv2info

AVACAuCIA
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💳💳💳💳💳💳
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VectorComplexityAuthenticationConfidentialityIntegrityAvailability
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VulDB Base Score: 🔒
VulDB Temp Score: 🔒
VulDB Reliability: 🔍

Exploitinginfo

Class: Access control
CWE: CWE-284 / CWE-266
CAPEC: 🔒
ATT&CK: 🔒

Physical: Partially
Local: Yes
Remote: Partially

Availability: 🔒
Status: Not defined
Google Hack: 🔒

EPSS Score: 🔒
EPSS Percentile: 🔒

Price Prediction: 🔍
Current Price Estimation: 🔒

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Threat Intelligenceinfo

Interest: 🔍
Active Actors: 🔍
Active APT Groups: 🔍

Countermeasuresinfo

Recommended: Upgrade
Status: 🔍

0-Day Time: 🔒

Upgrade: Notepad++ 8.9.8

Timelineinfo

09/03/2026 CVE reserved
09/22/2026 +19 days Advisory disclosed
09/22/2026 +0 days VulDB entry created
09/22/2026 +0 days VulDB entry last update

Sourcesinfo

Advisory: github.com
Status: Confirmed

CVE: CVE-2026-85288 (🔒)
GCVE (CVE): GCVE-0-2026-85288
GCVE (VulDB): GCVE-100-408560

Entryinfo

Created: 09/22/2026 19:34
Changes: 09/22/2026 19:34 (66)
Complete: 🔍
Cache ID: 216::103

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