Application execution via unvalidated Help links
Published Feb 16, 2026 · Updated Feb 16, 2026
Improper custom-URL authorization in Mattermost Desktop App 5.13.2 and 6.0.0 through 6.0.2 allows remote attackers to run applications. The Help-menu link handler accepts a server-controlled target without validating the custom URL scheme before handing it to the operating system. Exploitation requires control of a connected Mattermost server and a user click on an affected Help item, after which an arbitrary local executable can launch.
Summary
What happened
Improper custom-URL authorization in Mattermost Desktop App 5.13.2 and 6.0.0 through 6.0.2 allows remote attackers to run applications. The Help-menu link handler accepts a server-controlled target without validating the custom URL scheme before handing it to the operating system. Exploitation requires control of a connected Mattermost server and a user click on an affected Help item, after which an arbitrary local executable can launch.
The record
- CVE
- CVE-2026-1046
- Published
- Feb 16, 2026
- Updated
- Feb 16, 2026
- Vendor
- Mattermost
- Product
- Mattermost
- Classifications
- CWE-939, T1204.001
- Attack vector
- network
- Privileges
- authenticated
Timeline
How it unfolded
- Feb 16, 2026CVE publishedPublication date reported by the CVE source.
- Feb 16, 2026Record updatedLatest update available in the CVE record.
Exploitability
Present is not the same as exploitable
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Is a vulnerable build present?
Compare these published version ranges with your installed build and any vendor patches.
- Affected versionversion=0 <=5.2.13
- Affected versionversion=0 <=6.2.0
What conditions does exploitation require?
What is affected?
Published CVSS scores
CVSS describes severity. EPSS estimates exploitation probability.
Attacks
What attackers are doing with it
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Weakness, pattern, technique
Public exploit references
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Technologies
Your stack
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Your stack
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