Remote code execution in GNU Emacs

Published: 2023-03-24 | Updated: 2023-06-19

Risk	High
Patch available	YES
Number of vulnerabilities	2
CVE-ID	CVE-2023-27985 CVE-2023-27986
CWE-ID	CWE-78 CWE-94
Exploitation vector	Network
Public exploit	N/A
Vulnerable software Subscribe	Emacs Client/Desktop applications / Office applications
Vendor	GNU

Security Bulletin

This security bulletin contains information about 2 vulnerabilities.

1) OS Command Injection

EUVDB-ID: #VU74003

Risk: High

CVSSv3.1: 7.7 [CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H/E:U/RL:O/RC:C]

CVE-ID: CVE-2023-27985

CWE-ID: CWE-78 - Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an OS Command ('OS Command Injection')

Exploit availability: No

Description

The vulnerability allows a remote attacker to execute arbitrary shell commands on the target system.

The vulnerability exists due to improper input validation when processing data passed via the mailto: URI. A remote attacker can trick the victim to click on a specially crafted link and execute arbitrary OS commands on the target system.

Successful exploitation of this vulnerability may result in complete compromise of vulnerable system.

Mitigation

Install update from vendor's website.

Vulnerable software versions

Emacs: 28.1 - 28.3 rc1

External links

http://debbugs.gnu.org/cgi/bugreport.cgi?bug=60204
http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2023/03/08/2
http://git.savannah.gnu.org/cgit/emacs.git/commit/?h=emacs-29&id=d32091199ae5de590a83f1542a01d75fba000467
http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2023/03/09/1

Q & A

Can this vulnerability be exploited remotely?

Yes. This vulnerability can be exploited by a remote non-authenticated attacker via the Internet.

How the attacker can exploit this vulnerability?

The attacker would have to trick the victim to visit a specially crafted website or open a file.

Is there known malware, which exploits this vulnerability?

No. We are not aware of malware exploiting this vulnerability.

2) Code Injection

EUVDB-ID: #VU74002