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.
Affected products
| Vendor | Product | Affected | Fixed |
|---|---|---|---|
| mawww | kakoune | < 2026.05.21 | — |
Fixed in Linux distributions
Distributions backport fixes, so the version that fixes this vulnerability differs per release — upgrade to at least the version shown. From the distributions' security trackers and advisories.
Debian
Security tracker ↗| Release | Package | Fixed in | Advisory |
|---|---|---|---|
| Debian 14 | kakoune | 2026.05.21-1 | — |
| Debian 13 | kakoune | No fix yet | — |
| Debian 12 | kakoune | No fix yet | — |
Ubuntu
Security tracker ↗| Release | Package | Fixed in | Advisory |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ubuntu 26.10 | kakoune | No fix yet | — |
| Ubuntu 26.04 LTS | kakoune | No fix yet | — |
| Ubuntu 24.04 LTS | kakoune | No fix yet | — |
| Ubuntu 22.04 LTS | kakoune | No fix yet | — |
| Ubuntu 20.04 LTS | kakoune | No fix yet | — |
Show 1 more (older releases, extended support, other products)Fewer releases
| Release | Package | Fixed in | Advisory |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ubuntu 18.04 LTS | kakoune | No fix yet | — |