Notepad++ versions prior to 8.8.9, when using the WinGUp updater, contain an update integrity verification vulnerability where downloaded update metadata and installers are not cryptographically verified. An attacker able to intercept or redirect update traffic can cause the updater to download and execute an attacker-controlled installer, resulting in arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the user.
Attack Parameters
Attack Vector
Network
Can be exploited remotely
Attack Complexity
High
Difficult to exploit
Attack Requirements
None
No additional conditions
Privileges Required
None
No privileges needed
User Interaction
Passive
Minimal interaction
Impact Assessment
Confidentiality
High
Complete data leak
Integrity
High
Complete data modification
Availability
High
Complete denial of service
CVSS Vector v4.0
Weakness Type (CWE)
References 5
https://community.notepad-plus-plus.org/topic/27298/notepad-v8-8-9-vulnerabilit…
disclosure@vulncheck.com
https://github.com/notepad-plus-plus/notepad-plus-plus/commit/bcf2aa68ef414338d…
disclosure@vulncheck.com
https://github.com/notepad-plus-plus/wingup/commit/ce0037549995ed0396cc363544d1…
disclosure@vulncheck.com
https://notepad-plus-plus.org/news/hijacked-incident-info-update/
disclosure@vulncheck.com
https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/notepad-plus-plus-wingup-updater-lacks-upd…
disclosure@vulncheck.com