Overview
CVE-2025-12121 identifies a critical vulnerability affecting Lite XL, a lightweight code editor. Versions 2.1.8 and prior are susceptible to arbitrary command execution due to improper sanitization within the system.exec function. This flaw allows an attacker who can influence input to this function to execute arbitrary commands on the system with the privileges of the Lite XL process.
Technical Details
The vulnerability lies within the system.exec function and its usage across several core functionalities within Lite XL. Specifically:
- Project Directory Launching (
core.lua): The process of opening a project directory may leveragesystem.exec, making it a potential attack vector. - Drag-and-Drop File Handling (
rootview.lua): Handling files dragged and dropped into the editor usessystem.exec, introducing another point of vulnerability. - “Open in System” Command (
treeview.lua): The “Open in System” command in the treeview plugin, which allows opening files in the system’s default application, also usessystem.exec.
The lack of proper input sanitization allows for command injection. By crafting malicious filenames, directory paths, or drag-and-drop operations, an attacker could inject arbitrary shell commands into the system.exec function, leading to their execution on the underlying operating system.
CVSS Analysis
The CVSS score for CVE-2025-12121 is currently unavailable (N/A). However, given the potential for arbitrary command execution, a high severity score is anticipated. Factors influencing the CVSS score would include:
- Attack Vector: Network if the application exposes functionality remotely, otherwise Local.
- Attack Complexity: Low, as exploiting the vulnerability likely involves simply crafting malicious input.
- Privileges Required: None, if the attacker can influence input without authentication.
- User Interaction: Possibly Required, depending on the attack vector (e.g., requiring a user to drag-and-drop a malicious file).
- Scope: Changed, as the attacker gains control over the system beyond the application’s intended scope.
- Confidentiality Impact: High, as an attacker can potentially access sensitive data.
- Integrity Impact: High, as an attacker can modify system files.
- Availability Impact: High, as an attacker can cause a denial-of-service condition.
Once the CVSS score is available, it will be crucial to assess the risk accurately.
Possible Impact
Successful exploitation of CVE-2025-12121 could have severe consequences, including:
- System Compromise: Attackers can gain complete control of the affected system.
- Data Theft: Sensitive data stored on the system could be accessed and exfiltrated.
- Malware Installation: Attackers can install malware, such as ransomware or keyloggers.
- Privilege Escalation: While the process already runs with the user’s privileges, attackers could use the vulnerability as a stepping stone for further privilege escalation within the network.
- Denial of Service (DoS): Attackers can crash the system or make it unavailable.
Mitigation or Patch Steps
The primary mitigation strategy is to upgrade to a patched version of Lite XL that addresses the vulnerability. Follow these steps:
- Check Your Version: Determine the version of Lite XL you are currently using.
- Upgrade Lite XL: Download and install the latest version of Lite XL from the official repository (if a newer version is available), ensuring that the vulnerability has been addressed.
- Apply the Patch: Check for any official patch releases and apply them according to the vendor’s instructions.
- Review Code (if applicable): If you have access to the source code, carefully review and apply the changes from Pull Request #2163 to your local copy.
Workarounds (if a patch is unavailable):
- Disable Drag-and-Drop: If feasible, temporarily disable drag-and-drop functionality within Lite XL settings (if possible).
- Avoid Opening Projects/Files from Untrusted Sources: Exercise caution when opening project directories or files from unknown or untrusted sources.
