kitty: Origin Validation Error
CVE-2025-43929 is a high-severity origin validation error vulnerability in kitty from Kitty Project, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.8 out of 10. It can be exploited with local access to the system by an unauthenticated attacker, but only if a user takes part, for example by opening a link or file. The record lists version 0.41.0 as the first without the flaw, so updating kitty to that release or later removes the exposure. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.2% chance of exploitation within 30 days, which is low compared with other CVEs.
High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.
What to do
- Update kitty to 0.41.0 or a later version.
- Because the attack needs a user to take part, warn users about unexpected links and files related to this product until it is patched.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kitty Project | kitty | before 0.41.0 | 0.41.0 |
Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.
How the severity score breaks down
- Attack vector
- LocalThe attacker needs local access or must trick a user into running something.
- Attack complexity
- LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
- Privileges required
- NoneNo account or login is needed.
- User interaction
- RequiredA user must take an action such as opening a file or link.
- Scope
- UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
- Confidentiality
- HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
- Integrity
- HighData or code can be modified at will.
- Availability
- HighThe component can be taken down completely.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by NVD.
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 3.1 | 4.1 | Medium | CNA (mitre.org) |
| CVSS 3.1 | 7.8 | High | NVD |
Official description
open_actions.py in kitty before 0.41.0 does not ask for user confirmation before running a local executable file that may have been linked from an untrusted document (e.g., a document opened in KDE ghostwriter).
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Origin Validation Error
The product does not properly verify that the source of data or communication is valid.
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: poc, automatable: no, technical impact: partial).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Patches and release notes
Technical write-ups (may include proof of concept)
- github.com/0xBenCantCode/CVE-2025-43929Exploit
- hitman.services/cve-2025-43929/Exploit, Third Party Advisory
Other references
Other vulnerabilities in kitty
- 7.8 High severity
Recent Origin Validation Error vulnerabilities
- 9.3 Critical severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 7.6 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.4 High severity
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