CVE-2026-20841 Windows Notepad App Remote Code Execution Vulnerability
An attacker can execute arbitrary code locally via command injection in Windows Notepad, requiring a security patch.
- Exploited in the wild
- Not known
- Login needed
- Not needed
- Attackable
- Local or same network only
- Victim action needed
- A user has to click or open something
- Fix
- None listed
What is CVE-2026-20841?
CVE-2026-20841 is a high-severity command injection vulnerability in Microsoft Windows Notepad, published on 10 Feb 2026. It can only be exploited from the same machine or local network, and only if a user opens a file or follows a link.
Official description
Improper neutralization of special elements used in a command ('command injection') in Windows Notepad App allows an unauthorized attacker to execute code locally.
Weakness: CWE-77
Which versions are affected by CVE-2026-20841?
It affects 1 product.
Products include Microsoft Windows Notepad.
How do I fix CVE-2026-20841?
No fix has been published for CVE-2026-20841 yet. Limit exposure of the affected software until one is available.
Upgrade, and pass arguments to programs as a list instead of through a shell. More about Command injection.
Is CVE-2026-20841 being exploited?
There is no known exploitation of CVE-2026-20841 in the wild and no public exploit code.
Public exploit code: 14 proofs of concept on GitHub.
Sources
Also known as GHSA-9w4f-2qq2-5rc9.