CVE-2026-53534: JabRef CAYW Sublime Text integration permits operating-system command injection
JabRef is a desktop application for managing BibTeX and BibLaTeX libraries. Prior to 6.0-alpha.6, when jabsrv or JabRef's built-in HTTP server is enabled, the GET /better-bibtex/cayw endpoint accepts an external command query parameter and CAYWQueryParams.getCommand() passes it through CAYWResource.getCitation() into PushToSublimeText.getCommandLine(). On Unix-like systems, PushToSublimeText combines this untrusted cite-command prefix and citation keys into a string executed through sh -c by ProcessBuilder without shell escaping. A client that can cause a localhost request with application=sublime can inject shell metacharacters and execute operating-system commands as the JabRef user when a valid Sublime Text command path is configured and the victim completes the CAYW selection dialog. The built-in server is disabled by default, so exploitation requires the victim to enable it or run jabsrv. This issue is fixed in version 6.0-alpha.6.
Affected Software
Remediation
Recommended actions to resolve this vulnerability, in priority order.
- Upgrade
Upgrade
JabRefto a version that resolves this vulnerability.Fixed in 6.0-alpha.6
Event History
Frequently Asked Questions
Which deployments are exposed?
The built-in HTTP server is disabled by default. Exposure requires that the user has enabled it or is running jabsrv, and has configured a valid Sublime Text command path.
What must an attacker do to trigger command execution?
An attacker must be able to cause a request to the localhost endpoint with application=sublime and a malicious command parameter. The victim must then complete the CAYW selection dialog; command execution occurs as the JabRef user on Unix-like systems.
What should be done if an immediate upgrade is not possible?
Disable JabRef's built-in HTTP server and do not run jabsrv. Removing or avoiding the configured Sublime Text command path also prevents the described execution path.
How can I determine whether I need the fix?
Systems running a version earlier than 6.0-alpha.6 are affected only if the built-in server or jabsrv is active. Check whether the CAYW Sublime Text integration has a valid Sublime Text command path configured.