CVE-2026-18656 Executable Resolution from Untrusted Project Directory in Kiro IDE on Windows

High 8.5 Published 4 Aug 2026 Updated 5 Aug 2026

Remote attackers can execute arbitrary code on Windows users by tricking them into opening a malicious project directory in Kiro IDE.

Exploited in the wild: Not known
Login needed: Not needed
Attackable: Local or same network only
Victim action needed: A user has to click or open something
Fix: None listed

What is CVE-2026-18656?

CVE-2026-18656 is a high-severity code injection vulnerability in Amazon Kiro IDE, published on 4 Aug 2026. It can only be exploited from the same machine or local network, and only if a user opens a file or follows a link.

Official description

An uncontrolled search path element in Kiro IDE before version 1.0.228 on Windows might allow a remote unauthenticated actor to execute arbitrary code via a maliciously crafted project directory containing an executable that bypasses workspace trust protections when a local user opens the directory.

To remediate this issue, users should upgrade to version 1.0.228 or higher.

Weakness: CWE-427

Which versions are affected by CVE-2026-18656?

It affects 1 product.

Products include Amazon Kiro Ide.

How do I fix CVE-2026-18656?

No fix has been published for CVE-2026-18656 yet. Limit exposure of the affected software until one is available.

Upgrade, and never evaluate templates, expressions or code built from user input. More about Code injection.

Is CVE-2026-18656 being exploited?

There is no known exploitation of CVE-2026-18656 in the wild and no public exploit code.

Sources

Also known as GHSA-hhmj-6g9r-9vvq.