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.

No CVSS v4.0

Attack Vector Local

Attack Complexity Low

Privileges Required None

Scope Changed

Confidentiality Impact High

Integrity Impact High

Availability Impact High

User Interaction Required

No CVSS v3.0

No CVSS v2

This CVE is not in the KEV list.

No EPSS score available.

Key SSVC decision points have not yet been added.

Default status is the baseline for the product, each version can override it (e.g. patched versions marked unaffected).

Vendor Product Default status Versions
mawww kakoune affected
Version Status Constraints
< 2026.05.21 affected —

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Project Subscriptions

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Advisories

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Fixes

Solution

No solution given by the vendor.

Workaround

No workaround given by the vendor.

References
Link Providers
https://github.com/mawww/kakoune/commit/25c7b13b244fd1ddacc63ecfe1784b5ebc2ba825 cve-icon
https://github.com/mawww/kakoune/security/advisories/GHSA-h99r-h8cp-vwcq cve-icon
History

Fri, 07 Aug 2026 22:45:00 +0000

Type Values Removed Values Added
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.
Title Kakoune has a Critical RCE via Autorestore Backup Filename Injection
Weaknesses CWE-74
References
Metrics cvssV3_1

{'score': 8.6, 'vector': 'CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H'}

Projects

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cve-icon MITRE

Status: PUBLISHED

Assigner: GitHub_M

Published:

Updated: 2026-08-07T22:34:02.607Z

Reserved: 2026-05-20T18:46:58.290Z

Link: CVE-2026-48120

cve-icon Vulnrichment

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cve-icon NVD

No data.

cve-icon Redhat

No data.

cve-icon OpenCVE Enrichment

Updated: 2026-08-07T23:30:17Z

Weaknesses