How severe is CVE-2022-32168?

CVE-2022-32168 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.

Is CVE-2022-32168 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (48th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2022-32168?

CVE-2022-32168 affects Notepad-plus-plus Notepad++. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.

How do I fix CVE-2022-32168?

Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.

When was CVE-2022-32168 published?

CVE-2022-32168 was published on 2022-09-28 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2022-32168

CVE-2022-32168 is a high-severity vulnerability in Notepad-plus-plus Notepad++ with a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-427.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 7.8)
EPSS exploit prediction: 1% (48th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-427
Affected product: Notepad-plus-plus Notepad++
Published: 2022-09-28
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

Notepad++ versions 8.4.1 and before are vulnerable to DLL hijacking where an attacker can replace the vulnerable dll (UxTheme.dll) with his own dll and run arbitrary code in the context of Notepad++.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2022-32168?: Notepad++ versions 8.4.1 and before are vulnerable to DLL hijacking where an attacker can replace the vulnerable dll (UxTheme.dll) with his own dll and run arbitrary code in the context of Notepad++.
How severe is CVE-2022-32168?: CVE-2022-32168 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.
Is CVE-2022-32168 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (48th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2022-32168?: CVE-2022-32168 affects Notepad-plus-plus Notepad++. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
How do I fix CVE-2022-32168?: Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.
When was CVE-2022-32168 published?: CVE-2022-32168 was published on 2022-09-28 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (1)

cpe:2.3:a:notepad-plus-plus:notepad\+\+:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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Other CWE-427 (Uncontrolled Search Path Element) vulnerabilities

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