How severe is CVE-2026-20841?

CVE-2026-20841 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-2026-20841 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 12% (96th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2026-20841?

CVE-2026-20841 affects Microsoft Windows Notepad. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.

How do I fix CVE-2026-20841?

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.

Does CVE-2026-20841 have an EU (EUVD) identifier?

Yes. CVE-2026-20841 is tracked in the ENISA EU Vulnerability Database (EUVD) as EUVD-2026-7307.

When was CVE-2026-20841 published?

CVE-2026-20841 was published on 2026-02-10 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2026-20841

CVE-2026-20841 is a high-severity vulnerability in Microsoft Windows Notepad with a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score of 12% places it in the 96th percentile, indicating an elevated likelihood of exploitation. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-77.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 7.8)
EPSS exploit prediction: 12% (96th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
EU (EUVD) id: EUVD-2026-7307
Weakness: CWE-77
Affected product: Microsoft Windows Notepad
Published: 2026-02-10
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

Improper neutralization of special elements used in a command ('command injection') in Windows Notepad App allows an unauthorized attacker to execute code locally.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2026-20841?: Improper neutralization of special elements used in a command ('command injection') in Windows Notepad App allows an unauthorized attacker to execute code locally.
How severe is CVE-2026-20841?: CVE-2026-20841 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-2026-20841 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 12% (96th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2026-20841?: CVE-2026-20841 affects Microsoft Windows Notepad. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
How do I fix CVE-2026-20841?: 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.
Does CVE-2026-20841 have an EU (EUVD) identifier?: Yes. CVE-2026-20841 is tracked in the ENISA EU Vulnerability Database (EUVD) as EUVD-2026-7307.
When was CVE-2026-20841 published?: CVE-2026-20841 was published on 2026-02-10 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (1)

cpe:2.3:a:microsoft:windows_notepad:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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