How severe is CVE-2026-38972?

CVE-2026-38972 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-2026-38972 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (4th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2026-38972?

CVE-2026-38972 affects Rizonesoft Notepad3. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.

How do I fix CVE-2026-38972?

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-2026-38972 published?

CVE-2026-38972 was published on 2026-07-02 and last updated on 2026-07-08.

CVE-2026-38972

CVE-2026-38972 is a high-severity vulnerability in Rizonesoft Notepad3 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: 0% (4th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-427
Affected product: Rizonesoft Notepad3
Published: 2026-07-02
Last modified: 2026-07-08

Description

Notepad3 through 6.25.822.1 contains a DLL search-order hijacking vulnerability in the About-dialog code path in src/Notepad3.c. The application calls LoadLibrary(L"MSFTEDIT.DLL") with a bare DLL name, which allows a local attacker to place a malicious MSFTEDIT.DLL in the application directory or another preferred DLL search location and achieve arbitrary code execution in the context of the user when the About dialog is opened.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2026-38972?: Notepad3 through 6.25.822.1 contains a DLL search-order hijacking vulnerability in the About-dialog code path in src/Notepad3.c. The application calls LoadLibrary(L"MSFTEDIT.DLL") with a bare DLL name, which allows a local attacker to place a malicious MSFTEDIT.DLL in the application directory or another preferred DLL search location and achieve arbitrary code execution in the context of the user when the About dialog is opened.
How severe is CVE-2026-38972?: CVE-2026-38972 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-2026-38972 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (4th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2026-38972?: CVE-2026-38972 affects Rizonesoft Notepad3. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
How do I fix CVE-2026-38972?: 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-2026-38972 published?: CVE-2026-38972 was published on 2026-07-02 and last updated on 2026-07-08.

References

Affected products (1)

cpe:2.3:a:rizonesoft:notepad3:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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