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TI-2026-35559 Aliases CVE-2026-48120

Kakoune has a Critical RCE via Autorestore Backup Filename Injection

Priority LOW 39CWE-74Published · Updated

Key facts

Attack vector
Local
Privileges required
None
User interaction
Required
Attack complexity
Low
Impact type
—
Confidentiality · integrity · availability
High · High · High
Fix status
Fixed

Attack profile from CVSS 3.1 · CNA. Fix status from CNA.

Summary

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.

Why it matters now

Exploitation None reported CISA SSVC · not in CISA KEV
EPSS 0.00198 9th percentileScored 2026-11-07
Fix Fixed kakoune (mawww): 2026.05.21

SSVC decision points

CISA ADP · SSVC 2.0.3

Exploitation
None
Automatable
No
Technical impact
Total

The decision (Track, Attend, Act) also depends on your mission and well-being impact; see CISA's SSVC guide.

Affected products

VendorProductAffected versionsFixed inStatusSource
mawwwkakounebefore 2026.05.212026.05.21Patch availableCNA
  • kakoune Vendormawww Affected before 2026.05.21 Fixed in 2026.05.21 Patch available CNA

Remediation

  • Fix · CNA kakoune (mawww) Fixed in 2026.05.21

Vendor assessments

Red Hat

Red Hat's page for this CVE →

Not affected: 1 product
  • Red Hat

Timeline

  1. 2026-10-02 Threatist record created from CVE-2026-48120

References

Other 2

Sources

This product uses the NVD API but is not endorsed or certified by the NVD. Sources and licences