CVE-2025-15556
Description
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.
Summary dbcve.org
The WinGUp updater in Notepad++ versions prior to 8.8.9 lacks cryptographic verification of downloaded update metadata and installers. An attacker capable of intercepting or redirecting update traffic (e.g., via man-in-the-middle attack or DNS hijacking) can supply a malicious installer that the updater will download and execute with the current user's privileges, leading to arbitrary code execution.
Mitigation
Upgrade Notepad++ to version 8.8.9 or later which implements cryptographic verification of updates. Until then, disable automatic updates and manually download updates from the official website only.