RCE in Microsoft Windows Notepad
CVE-2026-20841
Improper neutralization of special elements used in a command ('command injection') in Windows Notepad App allows an unauthorized attacker to execute code locally.
Vulnerability class: Command Injection (OS Command Injection)
EPSS: 0.117 (95.5th percentile) — read the EPSS interpretation.
CVSS v3 metric
CVSS v3 base score 7.8 (High). Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H.
Affected products
- Microsoft Windows Notepad — versions 11.0.0
- Microsoft Windows_notepad
Weakness classification (CWE)
Public proof-of-concept exploits
References
- secure@microsoft.com (vendor-advisory, patch, Vendor Advisory)
- af854a3a-2127-422b-91ae-364da2661108 (Issue Tracking)
Frequently asked questions
- What is CVE-2026-20841?
- CVE-2026-20841 is a high-severity vulnerability in Microsoft Windows Notepad, classified under Command Injection. CVSS score: 7.8/10. Published 2026-02-10.
- How severe is CVE-2026-20841?
- High severity. CVSS v3 base score is 7.8 out of 10.
- Is CVE-2026-20841 known to be exploited?
- 4 public proof-of-concept repositories are indexed. Not currently listed in the CISA KEV catalog.