What is CVE-2026-48120?

CVE-2026-48120 is a high-severity vulnerability in Mawww Kakoune, classified under Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component (Injection). CVSS score: 8.6/10. Published 2026-08-07.

How severe is CVE-2026-48120?

High severity. CVSS v3 base score is 8.6 out of 10.

Vulnerability in Mawww Kakoune

CVE-2026-48120

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.

EPSS: 0.001 (3.5th percentile) — read the EPSS interpretation.

CVSS v3 metric

CVSS v3 base score 8.6 (High). Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H.

Affected products

Mawww Kakoune — versions < 2026.05.21

Weakness classification (CWE)

CWE-74 — Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component (Injection)

References

security-advisories@github.com (x_refsource_CONFIRM)
security-advisories@github.com (x_refsource_MISC)

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2026-48120?: CVE-2026-48120 is a high-severity vulnerability in Mawww Kakoune, classified under Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component (Injection). CVSS score: 8.6/10. Published 2026-08-07.
How severe is CVE-2026-48120?: High severity. CVSS v3 base score is 8.6 out of 10.