CVE-2025-12121 Details
Description
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 with the privileges of the Lite XL process.
A vulnerability allowing arbitrary command execution has been identified in Lite XL versions through 2.1.8. This issue arises from the system.exec function, which constructed shell commands unsafely, enabling execution of commands with the privileges of the Lite XL process. The vulnerability was present in project directory launching, drag-and-drop file handling, and the 'open in system' command of the treeview plugin.
Users are advised to update to the latest version of Lite XL that includes the removal of the legacy exec function. This update ensures that unsafe system calls are no longer available.
Metrics
CVSS 4.0 Severity and Vector Strings:
No CVSS 4.0 data is available for this CVE.
CVSS 3.x Severity and Vector Strings:
No data available for CVSS Version 2.0 on this CVE.
CISA-ADP
Assessed Nov 20, 2025References to Advisories, Solutions, and Tools
By selecting these links, you will be leaving this site. These are references gathered from the official CVE record and are not endorsed by Volerion.
| URL | Source(s) | Tag(s) |
|---|---|---|
| https://github.com/lite-xl/lite-xl/pull/2163 | [email protected] | Patch |
| https://kb.cert.org/vuls/id/579478 | [email protected] | ExploitPatchThird Party Advisory |
Weakness Enumeration
| CWE-ID | CWE Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| CWE-78 | Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an OS Command ('OS Command Injection') | [email protected] |
Affected Products
| Product | Versions |
|---|---|
| lite-xl lite xl | <= 2.1.8 |
CPE
Remediation
| |
Change History
5 change records found show changes
| Date | Action | Recorded By |
|---|---|---|
| Jun 17, 2026 | CVE Modified | [email protected] |
| Jun 17, 2026 | CVE Modified | CISA-ADP |
| Dec 10, 2025 | Initial Analysis | [email protected] |
| Nov 20, 2025 | CVE Modified | CISA-ADP |
| Nov 20, 2025 | New CVE Received | [email protected] |