CVE-2026-43943: Electerm Security Vulnerability · RCE via malicious SSH server filename in openFileWithEditor
Affects electermSource GCVE Database
Not known to be exploited · CVSS 7.8 High : upgrade to 3.7.9 soon.
Data as of 27 Oct 2026, 00:07 UTC
- Patch
- Available – fixed in 3.7.9
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:HExploitation evidence
Disclosed: evidence found.
CVE published 8 May 2026
Detectable: no evidence on record.
No public nuclei template indexed
Weaponised: 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 26 Oct 2026.
What to do
Upgrade electerm to 3.7.9.
Affected software
| Product | Affected | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| npmelecterm | Affected
| Fixed in
|
Check your own hosts for these packages with threat-finder (opens in a new tab), our free open-source scanner.
Description
### Impact A code execution (RCE) vulnerability exists in electerm's SFTP open with system editor or "Edit with custom editor" feature. When a user opts to edit a file using open with system editor or open with a custom editor, the filename is passed directly into a command line without sanitization. A malicious actor controlling the SSH server or user OS can exploit this by crafting a filename containing shell metacharacters. If a victim subsequently attempts to edit this file, the injected commands are executed on their machine with the user's privileges. This could allow the attacker to run arbitrary code, install malware, or move laterally within the network. <img width="1792" height="817" alt="1" src="https://github.com/user-attachments/assets/ddf78890-e95d-4fe7-981e-f86887677e8b" /> <img width="1648" height="941" alt="2" src="https://github.com/user-attachments/assets/cca2295b-2053-4d99-a464-be51eac2f5be" /> ### Patches Fixed in version >= 3.7.9 - https://github.com/electerm/electerm/commit/24ce7103e264cffe6eb5476c0506a2379e6f8333 ### Workarounds If you cannot patch yet, it is strongly recommended to: - Refrain from using the open with system editor or "Edit with custom editor" feature when connected to untrusted or unfamiliar SSH servers. - Consider using the built-in editor for viewing files, as this path may not be vulnerable to the same injection. - If the feature must be used, ensure connections are exclusively established with trusted servers and perform rigorous filename validation before editing. ### Resources - [electerm GitHub Repository](https://github.com/electerm/electerm)
References
- github.com/electerm/electerm/security/advisories/GHSA-q4p8-8j9m-8hxj (opens in a new tab)
- nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-43943 (opens in a new tab)
- github.com/electerm/electerm/commit/24ce7103e264cffe6eb5476c0506a2379e6f8333 (opens in a new tab)
- github.com/electerm/electerm (opens in a new tab)
- github.com/electerm/electerm/releases/tag/v3.7.9 (opens in a new tab)