Notepad++: Arbitrary Code Execution via shortcuts.xml UserCommand Injection
CVE-2026-48800 is fixed in Notepad++ on 1 platform by Notepad++ 8.9.6.1 (version 8.9.6.1), released May 26, 2026. It is not reported as exploited. Patch Radar priority: High.
Notepad++ is a free and open-source source code editor. Prior to 8.9.6.1, the <Command> tag text content inside <UserDefinedCommands> in shortcuts.xml is read by NppXml::value(aNode) (Parameters.cpp:3658) in the feedUserCmds() function and stored in UserCommand._cmd without any validation. When the user clicks the corresponding entry in the Run menu, NppCommands.cpp:4264 creates a Command object with string2wstring(ucmd.getCmd()) and calls run(), which invokes ShellExecute (RunDlg.cpp:221) with the attacker-controlled string as the executable path. The injected command appears as a normal menu item in the Run menu, making it a viable persistence mechanism. This vulnerability is fixed in 8.9.6.1.
Where it's fixed
| Product | Fixed in | Fix | Released |
|---|---|---|---|
| Windows apps | |||
| Notepad++ | 8.9.6.1 | Notepad++ 8.9.6.1 | May 26, 2026 |
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