# CVE-2026-77605: Notepad++ “Run by system” executes *.txt.cmd when user selected *.txt (target confusion → command execution)

CVE-2026-77605 is fixed in Notepad++ on 1 platform by Notepad++ 8.9.1 (version 8.9.1), released January 26, 2026. It is not reported as exploited. Patch Radar priority: High.

- Web page: https://patchblox.com/security/cve/CVE-2026-77605
- Priority: High
- CVSS: 7.8
- EPSS: 0.0021
- CISA KEV: not listed
- Exploited (vendor report): no
- Publicly disclosed: no
- Published: Sep 22, 2026
- Weakness: CWE-20: Improper Input Validation
- Vendor advisory: https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-77605

## Description

Notepad++ is a free and open-source source code editor. Prior to 8.9.8, the Folder as Workspace Run by system action in Notepad++ can resolve a different sibling file than the file selected by the user. When an attacker places a command script whose name is the selected text-file path with .cmd appended, and the user invokes Run by system on the text file on Windows 10 or Windows 11, Notepad++ can execute the sibling script as the current user instead of opening the selected file. This issue is fixed in version 8.9.8.

## Where it's fixed

| Platform | Product | Fixed in | Fix | Released |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Windows apps | Notepad++ | 8.9.1 | [Notepad++ 8.9.1](https://patchblox.com/security/data/fix/windows-app/notepad-.notepad-8.9.1.md) | Jan 26, 2026 |

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Data as of 2026-11-09T01:18:40Z UTC. Source: Patchblox Patch Radar (https://patchblox.com/security/patch-radar). Patchblox finds out-of-date software on Windows, macOS and Linux and updates it through release rings: https://patchblox.com/demo

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