CVE-2026-123841: JetBrains IntelliJ IDEA code execution via symlinks in settings archive

CVE-2026-123841 · Severity: high · CVSS 7.8 · Published 2026-11-06

JetBrains IntelliJ IDEA is a code editor used by software developers to write and debug applications. An attacker can execute arbitrary code on a developer's machine by crafting a malicious settings archive with symlinks that gets imported into IDEA. This could lead to compromise of the developer's system and access to source code or credentials.

Technologies: Jetbrains IntelliJ IDEA. Vendors: Jetbrains.

Quick answers

Is CVE-2026-123841 exploited in the wild?
No. Junglewise Threat Intelligence has no report of CVE-2026-123841 being exploited in the wild.
How severe is CVE-2026-123841?
High severity, with a CVSS score of 7.8, published 6 November 2026.
Which products and versions are affected?
Jetbrains IntelliJ IDEA before 2026.3.
Is there a fix for CVE-2026-123841?
Yes: fixed in IntelliJ IDEA 2026.3. Junglewise finds every place you run it, drafts the upgrade and applies it once you approve.
How is CVE-2026-123841 attacked?
It is attacked with local access, in a software library.
Am I affected by CVE-2026-123841?
Check whether you run Jetbrains IntelliJ IDEA at an affected version. Junglewise does that check for you around the clock: connect your code, cloud and domains, and it matches new vulnerabilities like this one against what you actually run and tells you when one reaches you.

How to fix

  • Fixed in: IntelliJ IDEA 2026.3

Technical details

When a user imports a settings archive into IntelliJ IDEA before version 2026.3, the application does not properly validate symlinks within the archive. An attacker can craft a malicious archive containing symlinks pointing to arbitrary files on the system, allowing arbitrary file write operations that lead to code execution. The vulnerability requires user interaction (importing a settings archive) to be exploited.

Affected products

  • JetBrains IntelliJ IDEA before 2026.3

Timeline

  • 2026-11-06: disclosed

References

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