Let 0 → A → L → B → 0 be a short exact sequence of Lie algebras over a field F , where A is abelian. We show that the obstruction for a pair of automorphisms in Aut(A)×Aut(B) to be induced by an automorphism in Aut(L) lies in the Lie algebra cohomology H 2 (B; A). As a consequence, we obtain a four term exact sequence relating automorphisms, derivations and cohomology of Lie algebras. We also obtain a more explicit necessary and sufficient condition for a pair of automorphisms in Aut L (1) n,2 × Aut L ab n,2 to be induced by an automorphism in Aut Ln,2 , where Ln,2 is a free nilpotent Lie algebra of rank n and step 2.