Is CVE-2026-5525 actively exploited?

A proof-of-concept exploit is publicly available for CVE-2026-5525, but active exploitation has not been confirmed.

Can CVE-2026-5525 be exploited remotely?

No. CVE-2026-5525 requires local access to exploit.

What is the CVSS score of CVE-2026-5525?

CVE-2026-5525 has a CVSS score of 6.0 (MEDIUM).

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MEDIUMPOC

CVE-2026-5525

CWE-121Published: April 10, 2026· Updated: Apr 13, 2026

6.0

CVSS v3.1

EPSS:0.01%probability of exploitation in 30 daysPercentile:1.4th

Official Description

A stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability exists in Notepad++ version 8.9.3 in the file drop handler component. When a user drags and drops a directory path of exactly 259 characters without a trailing backslash, the application appends a backslash and null terminator without proper bounds checking, resulting in a stack buffer overflow and application crash (STATUS_STACK_BUFFER_OVERRUN).

NVD Source

Technical Analysis

CVE-2026-5525 requires local access, meaning attackers must already have a foothold on the target system.

Exploitation requires low privileges, which limits the exposure to scenarios where an attacker has already gained initial access.

A successful exploit results in complete confidentiality breach (data exposure), full integrity compromise (data manipulation), with a CVSS base score of 6.0.

A proof-of-concept (PoC) exploit exists for CVE-2026-5525. While not yet confirmed in active campaigns, the availability of PoC code increases exploitation risk substantially.