CVE-2025-12121: Lite XL versions 2.1.8 and prior contain a vulnerability in the system.exec function, which allowed arbitrary

Q: How do I fix CVE-2025-12121?

lite xl: upgrade to newer than 2.1.8. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Q: Is CVE-2025-12121 being exploited?

CVE-2025-12121 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

Q: What does CVE-2025-12121 affect?

CVE-2025-12121 affects lite xl. Severity is high (CVSS 7.3). Lite XL versions 2.1.8 and prior contain a vulnerability in the system.exec function, which allowed arbitrary command execution through unsanitized shell command construction. This function was used in project directory launching (core.lua)

Q: How urgent is CVE-2025-12121?

Priority 38/100. High severity; Public exploit reference

Routine

HIGH 7.3UPGRADE

CVE-2025-12121 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.3) affecting lite xl. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Lite XL versions 2.1.8 and prior contain a vulnerability in the system.exec function, which allowed arbitrary command execution through unsanitized shell command construction. This function was used in project directory launching (core.lua), drag-and-drop file handling (rootview.lua), and the “open in system” command in the treeview plugin (treeview.lua). If an attacker could influence input to system.exec, they might execute arbitrary commands w

Why this priority

High severity
Public exploit reference

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.3 (High)
Attack vector	Local
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	Low
User interaction	Required
EPSS exploit chance	0.4% (top 69%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-78
Published	2025-11-20
Last modified	2026-10-19

Publisher (CNA): CERT/CC · Vendor: lite-xl

Last updated 2026-10-19 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2025-11-20 17:15 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-10-19 13:10 UTCUpdated Record last modified

lite-xl lite xl UPGRADE

Affected: <= 2.1.8

Fixed in: newer than 2.1.8

Safe to downgrade to: no unaffected older release

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy lite-xl || rpm -q lite-xl || lite-xl --version

2. UPGRADE to newer than 2.1.8 (Debian / Ubuntu)

sudo apt update && sudo apt install --only-upgrade lite-xl

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade lite-xl

Note

Distros often backport fixes without changing the version number. Confirm with the distro advisory or changelog.

Verify at the official source NVD · CVE Program · Report a problem with this page
Scores and fixes here are computed automatically from those and other public sources. Confirm with the vendor advisory before changing production systems.

Quick answers

How do I fix CVE-2025-12121?

lite xl: upgrade to newer than 2.1.8. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2025-12121 being exploited?

CVE-2025-12121 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

What does CVE-2025-12121 affect?

CVE-2025-12121 affects lite xl. Severity is high (CVSS 7.3). Lite XL versions 2.1.8 and prior contain a vulnerability in the system.exec function, which allowed arbitrary command execution through unsanitized shell command construction. This function was used in project directory launching (core.lua)

How urgent is CVE-2025-12121?

Priority 38/100. High severity; Public exploit reference

Related CVEs

CVE-2025-12120 HIGH 7.3 UPGRADE Lite XL versions 2.1.8 and prior automatically execute the .lite_project.lua file when opening a project direc

References

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