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Vulnerability DatabaseCVE-2023-6401

CVE-2023-6401: 
Notepad++ vulnerability analysis and mitigation

Overview

A vulnerability classified as problematic was found in NotePad++ up to version 8.1. The vulnerability affects an unknown functionality of the file dbghelp.exe and involves an uncontrolled search path element. The issue requires local access for exploitation and was assigned the identifier CVE-2023-6401 (NVD).

Technical details

The vulnerability has been assigned a CVSS v3.1 base score of 7.8 (HIGH) with the vector string CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. The issue is classified under CWE-427 (Uncontrolled Search Path Element). The vulnerability specifically involves the dbghelp.exe file and its search path handling (NVD).

Impact

If successfully exploited, this vulnerability could lead to high impacts on confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected system. The CVSS scoring indicates potential for complete compromise of system confidentiality, integrity, and availability within the scope of the affected component (NVD).

Mitigation and workarounds

The vulnerability has been addressed in version 8.6 of Notepad++. Users are advised to upgrade to this version or later to mitigate the risk (ManageEngine).

Community reactions

The vendor was reportedly contacted early about this disclosure but did not respond in any way (NVD).

Additional resources

Source: This report was generated using AI

Related Notepad++ vulnerabilities:

CVE ID

Severity

Score

Technologies

Component name

CISA KEV exploit

Has fix

Published date

CVE-2023-47452HIGH7.8
  • Notepad++Notepad++
  • cpe:2.3:a:notepad-plus-plus:notepad\+\+
NoYesNov 30, 2023
CVE-2023-6401HIGH7.8
  • Notepad++Notepad++
  • cpe:2.3:a:notepad-plus-plus:notepad\+\+
NoYesNov 30, 2023
CVE-2025-49144HIGH7.3
  • Notepad++Notepad++
  • cpe:2.3:a:notepad-plus-plus:notepad\+\+
NoYesJun 23, 2025
CVE-2023-40166MEDIUM5.5
  • Notepad++Notepad++
  • cpe:2.3:a:notepad-plus-plus:notepad\+\+
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CVE-2023-40164MEDIUM5.5
  • Notepad++Notepad++
  • cpe:2.3:a:notepad-plus-plus:notepad\+\+
NoYesAug 25, 2023

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