High [CVE-2026-48120] Remote Code Execution via malicious backup files
This high-severity Red Hat Linux advisory covers CVE-2026-48120.
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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.
As a workaround, add `autorestore-disable` to the user kakrc will disable the autorestore feature. This results in remote code execution on the affected system.
This vulnerability presents full impact across the CIA triad with complete compromise of Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability (C:H, I:H, A:H) because the executed commands run with the complete privileges of the user running the editor.
Systems are only exposed when opening files from untrusted directories containing attacker-controlled backup files; non-interactive executions, automated scripting environments, or interactive workflows operating strictly in isolated, trusted file systems remain entirely unaffected.
Red Hat severity: Important — CVSS 8.6 (CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H). Weakness: CWE-94.
- < 2026.05.21
Official advisory · high-confidence parse· fetched 2 hours ago·verify at source
Fixed versions
No fixed release is recorded yet. That does not prove no patch exists — confirm against the vendor advisory.
Official advisory · high-confidence parse· fetched 2 hours ago·verify at source
Mitigation checklist
- To mitigate this issue, disable the `autorestore` feature in Kakoune. This can be achieved by adding `autorestore-disable` to the user's `kakrc` configuration file. Disabling this feature will prevent the automatic restoration of files, which may affect user workflow. A restart of Kakoune is required for the change to take effect.
Official advisory · high-confidence parse· fetched 2 hours ago·verify at source
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