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CVE Record

CVE-2003-1232: Emacs 21.2.1 does not prompt or warn the user before executing Lisp code in the local variables section of...

Emacs 21.2.1 does not prompt or warn the user before executing Lisp code in the local variables section of a text file, which allows user-assisted attackers to execute arbitrary commands, as demonstrated using the mode-name variable.

UnknownCVSS not scoredNot KEV-listedUpdated
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Glexia's TakeAutomated analysis

Security readout for executives and security teams

This is a legacy Emacs issue where opening a crafted text file could cause embedded Lisp code in the file’s local variables section to run without a warning. The attacker needs user interaction, but successful exploitation could run commands as that user. Exposure is most likely in legacy systems running Emacs 21.2.1 or downstream packages that preserved this behavior. Modern supported Emacs installations may not be affected, but the supplied sources do not define a complete affected-version range. Prioritize remediation where legacy Emacs is used by developers, administrators, or build users who open external files. Business urgency is lower than remotely exploitable service flaws, but compromise could affect source code, credentials, or administrative sessions. Mitigation focus: Inventory systems for Emacs 21.2.1 and related legacy distribution packages.; Check vendor or distribution advisories for fixed packages and supported upgrade paths.; Avoid opening untrusted files in affected legacy Emacs versions..

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Generated from the cited source records. This long-tail analysis has not been individually reviewed by a named human.

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Severity
Unknown
CVSS
Not scored
Known Exploited
No
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Official CVE source material

CNA and ADP enrichment extracted from CVE v5

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