GNU Emacs 28.1 through 31.1 allows arbitrary code execution upon opening a file, because an untrusted value of read-symbol-shorthands affects the intern and unintern functions. This affects the default configuration; no particular user settings are required to trigger it.
Attack Parameters
Attack Vector
Local
Requires local access
Attack Complexity
Low
Easy to exploit
Attack Requirements
Present
Additional conditions required
Privileges Required
None
No privileges needed
User Interaction
None
No user interaction needed
Impact Assessment
Confidentiality
High
Complete data leak
Integrity
High
Complete data modification
Availability
High
Complete denial of service
CVSS Vector v4.0
Weakness Type (CWE)
References 4
https://debbugs.gnu.org/cgi/bugreport.cgi?bug=80574#227
cve@mitre.org
https://yhetil.org/emacs/jwvtsph1aoj.fsf-monnier+emacs@gnu.org/T/#m319545e835fb…
cve@mitre.org
https://eshelyaron.com/posts/2026-08-06-emacs-arbitrary-code-execution-returns.…
af854a3a-2127-422b-91ae-364da2661108
https://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2026/08/20/3
af854a3a-2127-422b-91ae-364da2661108