CVE-2026-4545: Flos Freeware Notepad2 · Uncontrolled Search Path
Affects Flos Freeware Notepad2Source CVE Database V5
Not known to be exploited · CVSS 7.3 High.
Data as of 30 Oct 2026, 11:52 UTC
- EPSS
- 0.1% chance of exploitation in 30 days – higher than 2% of CVEsExploit Prediction Scoring System: the likelihood attackers will use this flaw soon.
CVSS:4.0/AV:L/AC:H/AT:N/PR:L/UI:N/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N/E:XExploitation evidence
Disclosed: evidence found.
CVE published 22 Mar 2026
Detectable: no evidence on record.
No public nuclei template indexed
Weaponized: no evidence on record.
No public exploit code indexed in Metasploit or Exploit-DB
Exploited in the wildExploited: no evidence on record.
Not in CISA KEV and no source reports exploitation
Observed by OffSeq MirageSeen by Mirage: no evidence on record.
No attack traffic recorded by OffSeq Mirage sensors
A missing step is not evidence of safety. Sources: cve.org (opens in a new tab), the Metasploit, Exploit-DB and nuclei-templates index as of 30 Oct 2026.
What to do
Affected software
| Product | Affected | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| Flos FreewareNotepad2 | Affected
| Fixed in– |
AI-suggested
Employ application whitelisting and restrict execution permissions in directories where Notepad2 and its DLLs reside. Use tools to monitor and detect anomalous DLL loading behavior or unauthorized file modifications in the application directory. Consider replacing Notepad2 4.2.25 with alternative text editors that do not exhibit this vulnerability. If possible, run Notepad2 with least privilege and avoid running it with elevated rights. Employ endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to detect suspicious local activity indicative of DLL hijacking attempts. Regularly audit local user accounts and remove unnecessary privileges. Finally, maintain awareness for any future vendor updates or third-party patches addressing this issue.
Description
A security flaw has been discovered in Flos Freeware Notepad2 4.2.25. This affects an unknown function in the library PROPSYS.dll. Performing a manipulation results in uncontrolled search path. The attack is only possible with local access. The attack is considered to have high complexity. The exploitability is reported as difficult. The vendor was contacted early about this disclosure but did not respond in any way.