CVE-2026-43943 electerm: RCE via malicious SSH server filename in openFileWithEditor
Attackers can execute arbitrary code on a victim's machine by crafting malicious filenames on a controlled SSH server when the user edits files.
- 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
- Available
What is CVE-2026-43943?
CVE-2026-43943 is a high-severity command injection vulnerability in electerm, published on 8 May 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
electerm is an open-sourced terminal/ssh/sftp/telnet/serialport/RDP/VNC/Spice/ftp client. Prior to version 3.7.9, a code execution (RCE) vulnerability exists in electerm's SFTP open with system editor or "Edit with custom editor" feature. When a user opts to edit a file using open with system editor or open with a custom editor, the filename is passed directly into a command line without sanitization. A malicious actor controlling the SSH server or user OS can exploit this by crafting a filename containing shell metacharacters. If a victim subsequently attempts to edit this file, the injected commands are executed on their machine with the user's privileges. This could allow the attacker to run arbitrary code, install malware, or move laterally within the network. This issue has been patched in version 3.7.9.
Which versions are affected by CVE-2026-43943?
2 open source packages ship an affected version, including electerm. It affects 1 product.
| Package | Affected | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
electerm npm | All versions | 3.7.9 |
electerm npm | All versions | 3.7.9 |
Products include Electerm Project Electerm.
How do I fix CVE-2026-43943?
Upgrade electerm to 3.7.9 or later.
Upgrade, and pass arguments to programs as a list instead of through a shell. More about Command injection.
Is CVE-2026-43943 being exploited?
There is no known exploitation of CVE-2026-43943 in the wild and no public exploit code.
Other vulnerabilities in electerm
- CVE-2026-41500 electerm has Command Injection Vulnerability via runMac function
- CVE-2026-41501 electerm has Command Injection Vulnerability via runLinux function
- CVE-2020-23256 electerm allows unauthorized users to execute arbitrary commands
- CVE-2026-43941 Unvalidated shell.openExternal in electerm allows arbitrary protocol execution via terminal link click
- CVE-2026-43944 electerm: dangerous code can be run through links or command line
Sources
Also known as GHSA-q4p8-8j9m-8hxj.