CVE-2026-53915 Overview
CVE-2026-53915 is a remote code execution vulnerability in JetBrains GoLand versions prior to 2026.1.3. The flaw allows attackers to execute arbitrary code by tricking a developer into opening a project containing untrusted configuration data. The weakness is classified under [CWE-73] (External Control of File Name or Path), indicating the integrated development environment (IDE) processes project configuration files without sufficient validation of attacker-controlled paths.
Critical Impact
Opening a maliciously crafted Go project in a vulnerable GoLand instance can result in code execution within the developer's user context, enabling source code theft, credential exposure, and supply chain compromise.
Affected Products
- JetBrains GoLand versions prior to 2026.1.3
- Go development environments using affected GoLand builds
- Developer workstations opening untrusted Go project repositories
Discovery Timeline
- 2026-06-19 - CVE-2026-53915 published to the National Vulnerability Database (NVD)
- 2026-06-25 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2026-53915
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability resides in how JetBrains GoLand processes project configuration data when a user opens an untrusted project. GoLand stores project metadata, run configurations, build instructions, and tool integrations within project files. When the IDE parses these configurations, it dereferences file paths and external commands embedded by the project author. An attacker who controls the project configuration can specify paths or commands that trigger code execution during project load or build operations.
The [CWE-73] classification points to external control of file name or path. The IDE trusts attacker-supplied path values during configuration processing. Successful exploitation requires the victim to open the malicious project, which represents the user interaction component of the attack. Once opened, the malicious configuration executes without further prompts in vulnerable versions.
Root Cause
The root cause is insufficient validation of project configuration data sourced from untrusted repositories. GoLand resolves file paths and tool invocations declared in project metadata before applying trust boundary checks. This permits attacker-controlled path values to redirect execution to attacker-supplied binaries or scripts. JetBrains addressed the flaw in GoLand 2026.1.3 by tightening configuration trust handling.
Attack Vector
An attacker publishes a Go repository containing crafted project configuration files (such as .idea directory contents, run configurations, or build scripts). The attacker distributes the repository through public code hosting platforms, package indexes, or targeted phishing. When a developer clones the repository and opens it in a vulnerable GoLand version, the IDE processes the configuration and executes attacker-controlled code under the developer's account. The malicious project can disable the trusted project prompt or bypass it through configuration manipulation. Refer to the JetBrains Security Issues Fixed advisory for technical details.
Detection Methods for CVE-2026-53915
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected child processes spawned by goland64.exe, goland.exe, or the goland binary on Linux and macOS
- Outbound network connections initiated from the GoLand process shortly after opening a new project
- Modifications to shell profile files (.bashrc, .zshrc, PowerShell profiles) following project load
- New scheduled tasks, cron entries, or LaunchAgents created within minutes of opening a Git-cloned repository
Detection Strategies
- Monitor process trees where the GoLand IDE spawns shells (bash, sh, cmd.exe, powershell.exe) or scripting interpreters (python, node, go run) without explicit developer initiation
- Hunt for GoLand processes reading or writing files outside standard project directories and IDE configuration paths
- Alert on developer endpoints executing binaries from temporary directories or .idea subfolders immediately after Git clone operations
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable command-line auditing on developer workstations to capture full process arguments under the IDE
- Track GoLand version inventory across the organization and flag installations below 2026.1.3
- Correlate Git clone events with subsequent process executions to identify suspicious project-triggered behavior
How to Mitigate CVE-2026-53915
Immediate Actions Required
- Upgrade JetBrains GoLand to version 2026.1.3 or later on all developer workstations
- Audit recently cloned repositories for unexpected .idea configurations, custom run targets, or external tool definitions
- Instruct developers to use GoLand's "Open in Safe Mode" or preview project contents in a text editor before fully opening untrusted repositories
Patch Information
JetBrains released the fix in GoLand 2026.1.3. Apply the update through the JetBrains Toolbox, the in-IDE update mechanism, or direct download from the vendor. See the JetBrains Security Issues Fixed page for the official advisory.
Workarounds
- Open untrusted Go projects only inside isolated virtual machines or disposable containers until patching is complete
- Configure GoLand to require explicit trust confirmation for new projects and disable automatic execution of run configurations on project load
- Restrict developer accounts with least-privilege permissions to limit the impact of code execution under the user context
# Verify installed GoLand version on Linux/macOS
goland --version
# Windows PowerShell version check
Get-Item "$env:LOCALAPPDATA\Programs\GoLand\bin\goland64.exe" | Select-Object VersionInfo
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
