CVE-2024-26020 is a critical vulnerability identified in Ankitects Anki version 24.04, affecting the MPV media player functionality integrated within the application. The root cause is improper neutralization of special elements in output used by a downstream component, classified under CWE-74, which leads to an injection flaw. This vulnerability allows an attacker to craft a specially designed flashcard containing malicious script code that, when rendered by the MPV component, results in arbitrary code execution on the victim’s machine. The attack vector is network-based (AV:N) and requires no privileges (PR:N), but does require user interaction (UI:R) to open the malicious flashcard. The vulnerability impacts confidentiality, integrity, and availability (C:H/I:H/A:H) and has a CVSS v3.1 base score of 9.6, indicating critical severity. No patches or mitigations have been officially released at the time of publication, and no known exploits are reported in the wild. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because Anki is widely used for educational purposes, and users may import flashcards from untrusted sources, increasing the risk of exploitation. The MPV media player component processes media content embedded in flashcards, and the improper sanitization of input allows injection of malicious scripts that execute with the privileges of the user running Anki. This can lead to full system compromise, data theft, or disruption of service. The vulnerability was reserved in early May 2024 and published in late July 2024 by Talos, a reputable security research group.

For European organizations, especially educational institutions, training centers, and enterprises using Anki for knowledge management or learning, this vulnerability poses a significant risk. Successful exploitation can lead to arbitrary code execution, enabling attackers to steal sensitive data, install malware, or disrupt operations. Since Anki is cross-platform and popular among students and professionals, the attack surface is broad. Confidentiality breaches could expose personal or organizational data, while integrity and availability impacts could disrupt learning activities or damage trust in digital education tools. The requirement for user interaction means phishing or social engineering campaigns could be leveraged to deliver malicious flashcards. The lack of patches increases exposure time, and organizations relying on Anki without strict content controls are particularly vulnerable. Additionally, the vulnerability could be exploited in targeted attacks against high-value individuals or groups using Anki for specialized knowledge retention.

1. Immediately restrict the import of flashcards to trusted sources only, avoiding unverified or public repositories. 2. Disable or limit the use of MPV media playback functionality within Anki if possible until a patch is available. 3. Educate users about the risks of opening flashcards from unknown or untrusted origins and implement user awareness training focused on this vulnerability. 4. Monitor network and endpoint logs for unusual activity related to Anki processes, especially unexpected script executions or media playback anomalies. 5. Employ application whitelisting or sandboxing techniques to limit the impact of potential code execution. 6. Regularly check for official patches or updates from Ankitects and apply them promptly once released. 7. Consider deploying endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of detecting script injection or abnormal process behavior linked to Anki. 8. For organizations deploying Anki at scale, implement content filtering or scanning of flashcard files before distribution to end users.