Windows Notepad App Remote Code Execution Vulnerability
Priority MEDIUM 48CWE-77Published · Updated
Key facts
- Attack vector
- Local
- Privileges required
- None
- User interaction
- Required
- Attack complexity
- Low
- Impact type
- Code execution
- Confidentiality · integrity · availability
- High · High · High
- Fix status
- Fixed
Attack profile from CVSS 3.1 · CNA. Fix status from CNA. Impact type from Microsoft.
Summary
Improper neutralization of special elements used in a command ('command injection') in Windows Notepad App allows an unauthorized attacker to execute code locally.
Why it matters now
Exploitation None reported CISA SSVC · not in CISA KEV
EPSS 0.08877 95th percentileScored 2026-11-07
Fix Fixed Windows Notepad (Microsoft): 11.2512.26.0
SSVC decision points
CISA ADP · SSVC 2.0.3
- Exploitation
- None
- Automatable
- No
- Technical impact
- Total
The decision (Track, Attend, Act) also depends on your mission and well-being impact; see CISA's SSVC guide.
Affected products
Remediation
- Fix · CNA Windows Notepad (Microsoft) Fixed in 11.2512.26.0
Vendor assessments
Microsoft
Microsoft's page for this CVE →
- Impact
- Remote Code Execution
- Exploited
- No
- Publicly disclosed
- No
- Exploitability
- Exploitation Less Likely
| Product | Status | Plan or fix |
|---|---|---|
| Windows Notepad | Fixed | 11.2512.26.0 · Security Update |
Timeline
- 2026-10-02 Threatist record created from CVE-2026-20841
- 2026-10-03 Alias added: GHSA-9w4f-2qq2-5rc9
References
Sources
- CVE-2026-20841 · CVE Program
- CVE-2026-20841 · NVD
- FIRST EPSS
- GHSA-9w4f-2qq2-5rc9 · GitHub Advisory Database · CC BY 4.0
- CVE-2026-20841 · Microsoft Security Update Guide
This product uses the NVD API but is not endorsed or certified by the NVD. Sources and licences