Why is it a security issue to load Notepad++ plugins from %APPDATA% folder?

[Prahlad-Makwana4145]

Why is it a security issue to load Notepad++ plugins from %APPDATA% folder?

[gstavi]

Playing a security analyst:
Lets assume a malicious user gained access to another computer in the network that allow him to copy files to the target machine via network sharing but not to execute arbitrary code on the target machine.
Copying a crafted DLL as plugin into APPDATA only requires user permission while copying it to ProgramFiles requires admin permission.
Once a user on the target machine launches Notepad++ the code within the DLL is executed.

As a general rule of thumb you should try to keep all your executables and DLLs in directories that are only writables to admins.

[scaryboohoo]

I really hope, that you are just “playin” a security analyst.

Access via network sharing requiers administrative rights so the person could copy the directly to ProgramFiles folder and the user is helpless.