How severe is CVE-2026-2538?

CVE-2026-2538 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.0, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with high attack complexity, requires low privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.

Is CVE-2026-2538 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (5th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2026-2538?

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-2026-2538 have an EU (EUVD) identifier?

Yes. CVE-2026-2538 is tracked in the ENISA EU Vulnerability Database (EUVD) as EUVD-2026-6122.

When was CVE-2026-2538 published?

CVE-2026-2538 was published on 2026-02-16 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2026-2538

CVE-2026-2538 is a high-severity vulnerability with a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.0. 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-426.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 7.0)
CVSS v2: 6.0
CVSS v4: 7.3
EPSS exploit prediction: 0% (5th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
EU (EUVD) id: EUVD-2026-6122
Weakness: CWE-426
Published: 2026-02-16
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

A security flaw has been discovered in Flos Freeware Notepad2 4.2.22/4.2.23/4.2.24/4.2.25. Affected is an unknown function in the library Msimg32.dll. Performing a manipulation results in uncontrolled search path. Attacking locally is a requirement. The attack's complexity is rated as high. The exploitability is told to be difficult. The vendor was contacted early about this disclosure but did not respond in any way.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2026-2538?: A security flaw has been discovered in Flos Freeware Notepad2 4.2.22/4.2.23/4.2.24/4.2.25. Affected is an unknown function in the library Msimg32.dll. Performing a manipulation results in uncontrolled search path. Attacking locally is a requirement. The attack's complexity is rated as high. The exploitability is told to be difficult. The vendor was contacted early about this disclosure but did not respond in any way.
How severe is CVE-2026-2538?: CVE-2026-2538 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.0, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with high attack complexity, requires low privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.
Is CVE-2026-2538 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (5th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
How do I fix CVE-2026-2538?: 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-2026-2538 have an EU (EUVD) identifier?: Yes. CVE-2026-2538 is tracked in the ENISA EU Vulnerability Database (EUVD) as EUVD-2026-6122.
When was CVE-2026-2538 published?: CVE-2026-2538 was published on 2026-02-16 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

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