OP 12 October, 2025 - 10:10 PM
A DLL Hijacking vulnerability exists in the Notepad++ text editor version 8.8.3 (and possibly other versions). The vulnerability allows a local attacker to replace a legitimate DLL in the Notepad++ plugin directory (for example, NppExport.dll) with a malicious one of the same name. When the notepad++.exe application is launched, the malicious DLL is loaded and executes arbitrary code in the context of the process, potentially leading to system compromise. The attack does not require network access or privileges, but requires file system access to replace the DLL.
Technical details
Influence
Technical details
Affected versions: Notepad++ v8.8.3 (including installations via npp.8.8.3.Installer.x64.exe; potentially any version with vulnerable plugin loading).
Platforms: Windows
Vulnerability type: DLL Hijacking (CWE-427: Uncontrolled Search Path Element) - lack of integrity checking or signature of loaded DLLs.
CVSS v3.1: 7.8 (High). Vector: AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H (local access, low complexity, no privileges, no user interaction, high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability).
Entry point: The Notepad++ plugins directory (e.g. Notepad++\plugins\NppExport\), where the application loads a DLL (e.g. NppExport.dll) without path or signature checking.
Influence
The vulnerability allows an attacker to execute arbitrary code with privileges.
The vulnerability allows a local attacker with file system access to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user running Notepad++. Potential consequences:
Executing malicious code : An attacker can inject Trojans, ransomware, spyware, or backdoors by running them when Notepad++ is opened. For example, a malicious DLL could execute commands, such as launching cmd.exe or downloading additional exploits from remote servers.
Data Theft : Since Notepad++ is often used to edit sensitive files (source code, configurations, notes), an attacker can intercept file contents, the clipboard, or process memory. This could lead to the leakage of credentials, API keys, or intellectual property.
Privilege escalation : If Notepad++ is run with elevated privileges (e.g., as administrator), the malicious DLL inherits those privileges, allowing the attacker to modify system files, the Windows registry, or bypass security mechanisms (e.g., UAC).
System Crashes : A malicious DLL can cause application or system crashes, resulting in data loss or disruption of workflows, especially if Notepad++ is integrated into automated processes (e.g. CI/CD).
Indirect attacks : The vulnerability may be part of an attack chain, such as to distribute malware on a corporate network through shared directories, or to compromise the supply chain if an attacker distributes a modified version of Notepad++.
Risk scenarios :
Standard users : Risk of personal data theft or system infection when opening files associated with Notepad++ (e.g. .txt, .cpp).
Developers : Threat of leakage of source code or encryption keys.
Enterprise environments : Large-scale compromise if Notepad++ is used on workstations or servers with shared folders.
Automation : Systems where Notepad++ starts automatically are particularly vulnerable, as the attack does not require user interaction.
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Technical details
Influence
Technical details
Affected versions: Notepad++ v8.8.3 (including installations via npp.8.8.3.Installer.x64.exe; potentially any version with vulnerable plugin loading).
Platforms: Windows
Vulnerability type: DLL Hijacking (CWE-427: Uncontrolled Search Path Element) - lack of integrity checking or signature of loaded DLLs.
CVSS v3.1: 7.8 (High). Vector: AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H (local access, low complexity, no privileges, no user interaction, high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability).
Entry point: The Notepad++ plugins directory (e.g. Notepad++\plugins\NppExport\), where the application loads a DLL (e.g. NppExport.dll) without path or signature checking.
Influence
The vulnerability allows an attacker to execute arbitrary code with privileges.
The vulnerability allows a local attacker with file system access to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user running Notepad++. Potential consequences:
Executing malicious code : An attacker can inject Trojans, ransomware, spyware, or backdoors by running them when Notepad++ is opened. For example, a malicious DLL could execute commands, such as launching cmd.exe or downloading additional exploits from remote servers.
Data Theft : Since Notepad++ is often used to edit sensitive files (source code, configurations, notes), an attacker can intercept file contents, the clipboard, or process memory. This could lead to the leakage of credentials, API keys, or intellectual property.
Privilege escalation : If Notepad++ is run with elevated privileges (e.g., as administrator), the malicious DLL inherits those privileges, allowing the attacker to modify system files, the Windows registry, or bypass security mechanisms (e.g., UAC).
System Crashes : A malicious DLL can cause application or system crashes, resulting in data loss or disruption of workflows, especially if Notepad++ is integrated into automated processes (e.g. CI/CD).
Indirect attacks : The vulnerability may be part of an attack chain, such as to distribute malware on a corporate network through shared directories, or to compromise the supply chain if an attacker distributes a modified version of Notepad++.
Risk scenarios :
Standard users : Risk of personal data theft or system infection when opening files associated with Notepad++ (e.g. .txt, .cpp).
Developers : Threat of leakage of source code or encryption keys.
Enterprise environments : Large-scale compromise if Notepad++ is used on workstations or servers with shared folders.
Automation : Systems where Notepad++ starts automatically are particularly vulnerable, as the attack does not require user interaction.
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