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CVE-2023-6401 is an uncontrolled search path vulnerability affecting an unspecified functionality associated with dbghelp.exe in NotePad++ through version 8.1. Manipulation of the search path can cause the application to resolve files from an uncontrolled location. Exploitation is described as requiring local access.
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1 valid exploit after Mallory filtered fakes, detection scripts, and README-only repos.
This repository is a proof-of-concept (PoC) exploit for CVE-2023-6401, a DLL hijacking vulnerability affecting Notepad++ versions 8.1 and earlier on Windows. The exploit consists of a single C source file (dbghelp.c) that, when compiled as dbghelp.dll and placed in the Notepad++ application directory, will be loaded by Notepad++ on startup. Upon loading, the DLL executes arbitrary code (launches calc.exe and displays a message box) and then loads the legitimate dbghelp.dll from the system directory, forwarding API calls to maintain normal application behavior. The exploit demonstrates the risk of DLL search order hijacking when an attacker can write to the application directory. The repository includes a detailed README with usage instructions, compilation steps, and cleanup procedures. No network endpoints are involved; the attack vector is local, requiring filesystem access to the target directory.
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2 sources tracked across advisories and community write-ups. News coverage will land here when it surfaces.
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