User-triggered code execution via relative Notepad path
Published Jan 14, 2026 · Updated Jan 14, 2026
Untrusted search path handling in SumatraPDF 3.5.2 and earlier allows local users to execute code through Advanced Options. In AppTools.cpp, the handler launches notepad.exe by name instead of resolving the SystemRoot binary, allowing Windows to select an attacker-planted executable from the application directory. Exploitation requires a malicious notepad.exe in that directory, Notepad as the default text editor, and a user to open Advanced Options; code runs with the current user's privileges.
Summary
What happened
Untrusted search path handling in SumatraPDF 3.5.2 and earlier allows local users to execute code through Advanced Options. In AppTools.cpp, the handler launches notepad.exe by name instead of resolving the SystemRoot binary, allowing Windows to select an attacker-planted executable from the application directory. Exploitation requires a malicious notepad.exe in that directory, Notepad as the default text editor, and a user to open Advanced Options; code runs with the current user's privileges.
The record
- CVE
- CVE-2026-23512
- Published
- Jan 14, 2026
- Updated
- Jan 14, 2026
- Vendor
- SumatraPDF
- Product
- SumatraPDF
- Classifications
- CWE-426, T1574.008
- Attack vector
- local
- Privileges
- unauthenticated
Timeline
How it unfolded
- Jan 14, 2026CVE publishedPublication date reported by the CVE source.
- Jan 14, 2026Record updatedLatest update available in the CVE record.
Exploitability
Present is not the same as exploitable
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Is a vulnerable build present?
Compare these published version ranges with your installed build and any vendor patches.
- Affected versionversion=<= 3.5.2
What conditions does exploitation require?
What is affected?
Published CVSS scores
CVSS describes severity. EPSS estimates exploitation probability.
Attacks
What attackers are doing with it
Daily unique IPs observed by Shadowserver honeypots for known exploited vulnerabilities (KEVs). Missing observations do not establish an absence of attacks.
Weakness, pattern, technique
Public exploit references
- GHSA-rqg5-gj63-x4mv proof-of-concept videoproof of concept · demonstrated
Labels summarize the accepted research assessment. They do not indicate a test against your environment.
Technologies
Your stack
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Your stack
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