CVE-2026-43944: electerm: dangerous code can be run through links or command line

Published May 8, 2026
·
Updated

Impact Arbitrary local code execution via deep links, CLI --opts, or crafted shortcuts. Affected users: electerm installs that accept protocol URLs or CLI options (affected versions listed in the original report). Exploit requires clicking a crafted electerm://... link or opening a crafted shortcut/command that launches electerm with attacker-controlled opts.

Patches Fixed in version > 3.8.8

Commits:

- https://github.com/electerm/electerm/commit/8a6a17951e96d715f5a231532bbd8303fe208700 - https://github.com/electerm/electerm/commit/a79e06f4a1f0ac6376c3d2411ef4690fa0377742

Workarounds - Disable or unregister electerm protocol handlers (Deep Link settings) and avoid clicking electerm:// links. - Do not run electerm with untrusted --opts arguments or open .lnk / .desktop files from untrusted sources. - Restrict which users can launch electerm on shared machines and avoid leaving electerm installed in locations reachable by other users. - As a temporary measure, run electerm in a confined account or sandbox (non-admin user) to reduce impact.

Resources - Report / credit: https://github.com/Curly-Haired-Baboon - Electerm releases: https://github.com/electerm/electerm/releases

Other sources

electerm is an open-sourced terminal/ssh/sftp/telnet/serialport/RDP/VNC/Spice/ftp client. From versions 3.0.6 to before 3.8.15, electerm is vulnerable to arbitrary local code execution via deep links, CLI --opts, or crafted shortcuts. Exploit requires clicking a crafted electerm://... link or opening a crafted shortcut/command that launches electerm with attacker-controlled opts. This issue has been patched in version 3.8.15.

MITRE

Affected Software

3 affected componentsFixes available
npm/electerm>=3.0.6<3.8.15
npm/electerm>=3.0.6<3.8.15
3.8.15
Electerm Project Electerm>=3.0.6<3.8.15

Event History

May 8, 2026
CVE Published
via MITRE·03:08 AM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·03:08 AM
DescriptionWeakness
Data Sourced
via NVD·04:16 AM
RemedyDescriptionSeverityWeaknessAffected Software
Advisory Published
via GitHub·06:46 PM
Data Sourced
via GitHub·06:46 PM
DescriptionWeaknessAffected Software
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Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is the severity of CVE-2026-43944?

CVE-2026-43944 has a high severity due to its potential for arbitrary local code execution.

2

How do I fix CVE-2026-43944?

To fix CVE-2026-43944, upgrade to electerm version 3.8.15 or later.

3

What versions are affected by CVE-2026-43944?

CVE-2026-43944 affects electerm versions from 3.0.6 to before 3.8.15.

4

What type of attack does CVE-2026-43944 allow?

CVE-2026-43944 allows arbitrary local code execution through deep links or crafted command-line options.

5

Which platforms are impacted by CVE-2026-43944?

CVE-2026-43944 impacts systems using electerm as a terminal/ssh/sftp/telnet client.

Contact

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