Vulnerability identifier: #VU74003

Vulnerability 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

Exploitation vector: Network

Exploit availability: No

Vulnerable software:
Emacs
Client/Desktop applications / Office applications

Vendor: GNU

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

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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

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Q & A

Can this vulnerability be exploited remotely?

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

Is there known malware, which exploits this vulnerability?

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