CVE-2026-48120: CWE-74: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component ('Injection') in mawww kakoune
Kakoune is a code editor. Prior to version 2026.05.21, the bundled, enabled by default, `autorestore.kak` script can be exploited by malicious backup files leading to arbitrary kakoune and shell commands being executed by simply opening a file. Kakoune 2026.05.21 fixes the issue. As a workaround, add `autorestore-disable` to the user kakrc will disable the autorestore feature.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
CVE-2026-48120 is an injection vulnerability (CWE-74) in the Kakoune code editor's 'autorestore.kak' script, which is bundled and enabled by default in versions before 2026.05.21. This flaw allows an attacker to craft malicious backup files that, when opened, execute arbitrary Kakoune and shell commands. The vulnerability is resolved in version 2026.05.21. Users can mitigate the risk by disabling the autorestore feature via configuration.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation leads to arbitrary code execution within Kakoune and the underlying shell, potentially compromising confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected system. The CVSS 3.1 score of 8.6 reflects high impact with local attack vector, low attack complexity, no privileges required, user interaction required, and scope change. There are no known exploits in the wild at this time.
Mitigation Recommendations
Upgrade Kakoune to version 2026.05.21 or later to apply the official fix. As a temporary workaround, add 'autorestore-disable' to the user kakrc configuration file to disable the vulnerable autorestore feature.
CVE-2026-48120: CWE-74: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component ('Injection') in mawww kakoune
Description
Kakoune is a code editor. Prior to version 2026.05.21, the bundled, enabled by default, `autorestore.kak` script can be exploited by malicious backup files leading to arbitrary kakoune and shell commands being executed by simply opening a file. Kakoune 2026.05.21 fixes the issue. As a workaround, add `autorestore-disable` to the user kakrc will disable the autorestore feature.
CVSS v3.1
Score 8.6high
Affected software
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Weaknesses
AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
CVE-2026-48120 is an injection vulnerability (CWE-74) in the Kakoune code editor's 'autorestore.kak' script, which is bundled and enabled by default in versions before 2026.05.21. This flaw allows an attacker to craft malicious backup files that, when opened, execute arbitrary Kakoune and shell commands. The vulnerability is resolved in version 2026.05.21. Users can mitigate the risk by disabling the autorestore feature via configuration.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation leads to arbitrary code execution within Kakoune and the underlying shell, potentially compromising confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected system. The CVSS 3.1 score of 8.6 reflects high impact with local attack vector, low attack complexity, no privileges required, user interaction required, and scope change. There are no known exploits in the wild at this time.
Mitigation Recommendations
Upgrade Kakoune to version 2026.05.21 or later to apply the official fix. As a temporary workaround, add 'autorestore-disable' to the user kakrc configuration file to disable the vulnerable autorestore feature.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- GitHub_M
- Date Reserved
- 2026-05-20T18:46:58.290Z
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
- Remediation Level
- null
Threat ID: 6a765f31bf8831d5394839dc
Added to database: 08/07/2026, 22:41:53 UTC
Last enriched: 08/15/2026, 15:10:20 UTC
Last updated: 09/08/2026, 01:24:06 UTC
Views: 49
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