CVE-2003-1232

5.1 MEDIUM 3% exploit odds Fix listed

What it is

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.

At a glance

Exploitability: Can be exploited over the network without logging in. Limited direct impact.
Exploit odds: 3.0% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS).
Fix: A patch, advisory or fixed version is referenced. Upgrade or apply it.

Timeline

2003-12-31 05:00 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2026-06-16 22:03 UTC Last updatedMost recent change to the record

Why it ranks here

Exploited in the wild: no, CISA does not list it.
Exploit odds: 3.0% in the next 30 days (EPSS).
Severity: 5.1 MEDIUM (CVSS).
Fix: a patch or advisory is linked.

Details

Published: 2003-12-31 05:00 UTC
Last modified: 2026-06-16 22:03 UTC
Exploit probability: 3.0% · EPSS, next 30 days
Record status: Modified

Affected

Gnu Emacs 21.2.1

Attack profile CVSS 2.0 · 5.1

Attack vector: Network
Complexity: High
Authentication: None
Confidentiality: Partial
Integrity: Partial
Availability: Partial

Raw vector

AV:N/AC:H/Au:N/C:P/I:P/A:P

Is it in your code?

Hand this to your coding agent. It searches your project for the affected products and checks versions. Nothing leaves your machine.

Read https://cve-list.com/agent/cve/CVE-2003-1232.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2003-1232. Read only. Don't change anything and don't upload my code. Tell me yes, no or not sure, with the file as proof.

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Fix and advisories

References

NVD record · CVE.org record