# CVE-2026-85288: Notepad++: Shortcuts.xml macro HMAC bypass still reachable via the "Run a Macro Multiple Times" dialog

CVE-2026-85288 is fixed in Notepad++ on 1 platform by Notepad++ 8.9.8 (version 8.9.8), released August 23, 2026. It is not reported as exploited. Patch Radar priority: Routine.

- Web page: https://patchblox.com/security/cve/CVE-2026-85288
- Priority: Routine
- CVSS: 6.7
- EPSS: 0.0014
- CISA KEV: not listed
- Exploited (vendor report): no
- Publicly disclosed: no
- Published: Sep 22, 2026
- Weakness: CWE-78: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an OS Command ('OS Command Injection')
- Vendor advisory: https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-85288

## Description

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.

## Where it's fixed

| Platform | Product | Fixed in | Fix | Released |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Windows apps | Notepad++ | 8.9.8 | [Notepad++ 8.9.8](https://patchblox.com/security/data/fix/windows-app/notepad-.notepad-8.9.8.md) | Aug 23, 2026 |

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Data as of 2026-11-08T06:59:42Z 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 Patchblox finds out-of-date software on Windows, macOS and Linux and updates it through release rings: https://patchblox.com/demo

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