CVE-2025-12121
CVE-2025-12121 is a high-severity vulnerability in Lite-xl Lite Xl with a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.3. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-78.
Key facts
- Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 7.3)
- EPSS exploit prediction: 0% (25th percentile)
- Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
- EU (EUVD) id: EUVD-2025-198291
- Weakness: CWE-78
- Affected product: Lite-xl Lite Xl
- Published:
- Last modified:
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.
Frequently asked questions
- What is CVE-2025-12121?
- 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.
- How severe is CVE-2025-12121?
- CVE-2025-12121 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.3, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.
- Is CVE-2025-12121 being actively exploited?
- It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (25th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- What products are affected by CVE-2025-12121?
- CVE-2025-12121 affects Lite-xl Lite Xl. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
- How do I fix CVE-2025-12121?
- Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.
- Does CVE-2025-12121 have an EU (EUVD) identifier?
- Yes. CVE-2025-12121 is tracked in the ENISA EU Vulnerability Database (EUVD) as EUVD-2025-198291.
- When was CVE-2025-12121 published?
- CVE-2025-12121 was published on 2025-11-20 and last updated on 2026-06-17.
References
Affected products (1)
- cpe:2.3:a:lite-xl:lite_xl:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
More vulnerabilities in Lite-xl Lite Xl
- CVE-2025-12120 — High (CVSS 7.3): Lite XL versions 2.1.8 and prior automatically execute the .lite_project.lua file when opening a project directory,…
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