CVE-2026-48120: Kakoune is a code editor

Routine

HIGH 8.6

CVE-2026-48120 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 8.6) affecting affected software. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

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 this priority

High severity

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	8.6 (High)
Attack vector	Local
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	Required
EPSS exploit chance	0.2% (top 91%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-74
Published	2026-08-07
Last modified	2026-10-23

Publisher (CNA): GitHub, Inc.

Last updated 2026-10-23 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Timeline

2026-08-07 23:17 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-10-23 20:10 UTCUpdated Record last modified

Exact fixes by distribution

Fedora 46 · sugar-clock · FIXED · 22.1-17.fc46 · FEDORA-2026-57948849df · source

sudo dnf upgrade --advisory=FEDORA-2026-57948849df

Fedora ELN · selinux-policy · FIXED · 45.23-1.eln159 · FEDORA-2026-3668c969a2 · source

sudo dnf upgrade --advisory=FEDORA-2026-3668c969a2

Debian 12 · kakoune · NO FIX YET

Debian 13 · kakoune · NO FIX YET

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-2026-48120?

No fixed release is listed yet. Watch the vendor advisory and apply any mitigation shown on this page.

Is CVE-2026-48120 being exploited?

CVE-2026-48120 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-2026-48120 affect?

CVE-2026-48120 affects affected software. Severity is high (CVSS 8.6). 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 f

How urgent is CVE-2026-48120?

Priority 32/100. High severity

References

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