Evidence used
- No CISA KEV confirmation is currently recorded.
- EPSS is 0.15% for the current model date.
BlackTreeCVE IntelligenceFull vulnerability report · 2026
CVE-2026-96269High confidence
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
GNU · Emacs
7.5HighCVSS 4.0
Within 7 days
Fix not verifiedHigh technical severity; prioritise exposed affected systems while verifying vendor guidance.
R
Open reassessment dashboard →Operational reassessment
Published severity in operational context
Published severityHigh→Operational priority:High, unchanged from published severity.unchanged
Compensating controls
- Restrict local access and enforce least privilege on affected hosts.
- Monitor vendor guidance and exploitation sources for a material change.
Verification
- Confirm that the asset runs GNU Emacs and falls inside the recorded affected range.
- Recheck the vendor advisory before scheduling a change because no verified fixed version is currently retained.
- Validate exposure, authentication requirements and compensating controls in the actual environment.
- Reopen this reassessment when CVSS, KEV, EPSS, exploit evidence or remediation changes.
Distribution package intelligence
7 package statesRelease-specific package status
Debian, ubuntu findings are scoped to the named distribution, release and source package. An absent finding does not mean a package is unaffected.
Repository candidate not checked
A published vendor fix does not prove that a matching update is enabled and installable on a particular asset. Confirm the local package candidate before scheduling remediation.
| Distribution release | Source package | Vendor state | Fixed version | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Debian trixietrixie · source | emacs | Vendor fix publishedDebian records a fixed source-package version for this release. | 1:30.1+1-6+deb13u1 | Debian Security Tracker ↗Source updated 6 Oct 2026 |
| Debian bookwormbookworm · source | emacs | Affected, no fix publishedDebian currently tracks this release as open. | Not published in this feed | Debian Security Tracker ↗Source updated 6 Oct 2026 |
| Debian forkyforky · source | emacs | Vendor fix publishedDebian records a fixed source-package version for this release. | 1:30.2+1-11 | Debian Security Tracker ↗Source updated 6 Oct 2026 |
| Debian sidsid · source | emacs | Vendor fix publishedDebian records a fixed source-package version for this release. | 1:30.2+1-11 | Debian Security Tracker ↗Source updated 6 Oct 2026 |
| Ubuntu 24.04 LTSnoble · esm-apps | emacs | Under evaluationCanonical reports that the package might be affected and still needs evaluation or fixing. | Not published in this feed | Canonical Ubuntu Security ↗Source updated 5 Oct 2026 |
| Ubuntu 24.04 LTSnoble · standard archive | xemacs21 | Under evaluationCanonical reports that the package might be affected and still needs evaluation or fixing. | Not published in this feed | Canonical Ubuntu Security ↗Source updated 5 Oct 2026 |
| Ubuntu 24.04 LTSnoble · standard archive | xemacs21-packages | Under evaluationCanonical reports that the package might be affected and still needs evaluation or fixing. | Not published in this feed | Canonical Ubuntu Security ↗Source updated 5 Oct 2026 |
Direct vendor intelligence
2 currentAuthoritative vendor CSAF and VEX advisories
Structured product status and remediation from the issuing vendor. Product-state explanations are always visible; large lists can be searched or downloaded.
CVE-2026-96269 · CSAF 2.0 · revision 2 · interimSUSE Product Security TeamCVE-2026-96269
The vendor explicitly identifies these products as affected by this CVE.
- emacs as component of SUSE Linux Enterprise High Performance Computing 15 SP1
- emacs-el as component of SUSE Linux Enterprise High Performance Computing 15 SP1
- emacs-info as component of SUSE Linux Enterprise High Performance Computing 15 SP1
- emacs-nox as component of SUSE Linux Enterprise High Performance Computing 15 SP1
- emacs-x11 as component of SUSE Linux Enterprise High Performance Computing 15 SP1
- etags as component of SUSE Linux Enterprise High Performance Computing 15 SP1
- emacs as component of SUSE Linux Enterprise High Performance Computing 15 SP2
- emacs-el as component of SUSE Linux Enterprise High Performance Computing 15 SP2
- emacs-info as component of SUSE Linux Enterprise High Performance Computing 15 SP2
- emacs-nox as component of SUSE Linux Enterprise High Performance Computing 15 SP2
- emacs-x11 as component of SUSE Linux Enterprise High Performance Computing 15 SP2
- etags as component of SUSE Linux Enterprise High Performance Computing 15 SP2
- Summary
- 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.
- Remediation
- No remediation text is recorded.
CVE-2026-96269 · CSAF 2.0 · revision 3 · finalRed Hat Product Securityemacs: GNU Emacs: Arbitrary code execution upon opening a file
The vendor explicitly identifies these products as affected by this CVE.
- emacs-common as a component of Red Hat Enterprise Linux 10
- emacs-filesystem as a component of Red Hat Enterprise Linux 10
- emacs-lucid as a component of Red Hat Enterprise Linux 10
- emacs-nw as a component of Red Hat Enterprise Linux 10
- emacs.src as a component of Red Hat Enterprise Linux 10
- Summary
- A flaw was found in GNU Emacs. A remote attacker could achieve arbitrary code execution by tricking a user into opening a specially crafted file. This vulnerability arises because an untrusted value of read-symbol-shorthands affects the intern and unintern functions, allowing for code execution without specific user settings.
- Remediation
- To mitigate this issue, users should avoid opening untrusted or suspicious files directly with GNU Emacs. Exercise caution when handling files from unknown sources or those with unexpected content, as opening them could lead to arbitrary code execution.
High technical severity; prioritise exposed affected systems while verifying vendor guidance.
Fix not verified01
What, why and how
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.
What
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.
Why
The product imports, requires, or includes executable functionality (such as a library) from a source that is outside of the intended control sphere.
How
An attacker operating through local access may attempt exploitation without authentication or user interaction. If successful, the issue may execute code or commands in the affected security context.
What
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.
Why
The product imports, requires, or includes executable functionality (such as a library) from a source that is outside of the intended control sphere.
How
An attacker operating through local access may attempt exploitation without authentication or user interaction. If successful, the issue may execute code or commands in the affected security context.
02
Exploit reality and attack path
CVSS severity, EPSS forecast probability, public exploit material and CISA-confirmed exploitation are separate signals.
Observed exploitation No confirmed evidence
?
Confirmed exploitation and public exploit material are separate signals. Attacks can occur without public proof-of-concept or exploit code.No CISA KEV match was present at the last successful refresh. This means no confirmation from that source, not proof of no exploitation.
Public PoC / exploit material None recorded
?
Confirmed exploitation and public exploit material are separate signals. Attacks can occur without public proof-of-concept or exploit code.No exploit-tagged reference or CISA SSVC proof-of-concept state is currently recorded. Research may still exist outside the structured feeds.
- Likely attack path
- local access → Inclusion of Functionality from Untrusted Control Sphere → execute code or commands in the affected security context
- Attack surface
- Local
- Privileges required
- None: unauthenticated exploitation is possible
- User interaction
- None
- Attack complexity
- Low: no specialised conditions are recorded
- Security boundary
- Not a CVSS 4.0 base metric
- Weakness
?
CWE means Common Weakness Enumeration: a standard category for the underlying weakness. - CWE-829 ↗
CWE-829: Inclusion of Functionality from Untrusted Control Sphere. The product imports, requires, or includes executable functionality (such as a library) from a source that is outside of the intended control sphere.
- CVSS vector
?
CVSS means Common Vulnerability Scoring System. The vector records the metric values used to calculate technical severity. CVSS:4.0/AV:L/AC:L/AT:P/PR:N/UI:N/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:N/SI:N/SA:NCommon Vulnerability Scoring System 4.0: the compact vector below is decoded into plain language.
AVLocalAttack vector: The attacker needs local access to the vulnerable system.ACLowAttack complexity: No specialised conditions are required beyond attacker-controlled input.ATPresentAttack requirements: A particular deployment or execution condition must be present.PRNonePrivileges required: The attacker does not need an account or existing privileges.UINoneUser interaction: No action by another user is required.VCHighVulnerable-system confidentiality: A successful attack can cause a major loss.VIHighVulnerable-system integrity: A successful attack can cause a major loss.VAHighVulnerable-system availability: A successful attack can cause a major loss.SCNoneSubsequent-system confidentiality: No direct loss is represented by this metric.SINoneSubsequent-system integrity: No direct loss is represented by this metric.SANoneSubsequent-system availability: No direct loss is represented by this metric.- Post-exploitation / living off the land
- After compromise, an attacker may use built-in shells, scripting engines, scheduled tasks and native network utilities for discovery, persistence or movement. This is a plausible LoTL path, not evidence that it has occurred for every attack.
03
Patch and workaround
Operational remediation based on structured source evidence.
- Status
?
Patch availability is based on structured fixed-version fields and authoritative update references. If no fix is verified, check the vendor advisory before making a change. - Fix not verified
- Affected
- emacs as component of SUSE Linux Enterprise High Performance Computing 15 SP1
- emacs-el as component of SUSE Linux Enterprise High Performance Computing 15 SP1
- emacs-info as component of SUSE Linux Enterprise High Performance Computing 15 SP1
- emacs-nox as component of SUSE Linux Enterprise High Performance Computing 15 SP1
- emacs-x11 as component of SUSE Linux Enterprise High Performance Computing 15 SP1
- etags as component of SUSE Linux Enterprise High Performance Computing 15 SP1
- emacs as component of SUSE Linux Enterprise High Performance Computing 15 SP2
- emacs-el as component of SUSE Linux Enterprise High Performance Computing 15 SP2
- emacs-info as component of SUSE Linux Enterprise High Performance Computing 15 SP2
- emacs-nox as component of SUSE Linux Enterprise High Performance Computing 15 SP2
- emacs-x11 as component of SUSE Linux Enterprise High Performance Computing 15 SP2
- etags as component of SUSE Linux Enterprise High Performance Computing 15 SP2
- emacs as component of SUSE Linux Enterprise High Performance Computing 15 SP3
- emacs-el as component of SUSE Linux Enterprise High Performance Computing 15 SP3
- emacs-info as component of SUSE Linux Enterprise High Performance Computing 15 SP3
- emacs-nox as component of SUSE Linux Enterprise High Performance Computing 15 SP3
- emacs-x11 as component of SUSE Linux Enterprise High Performance Computing 15 SP3
- etags as component of SUSE Linux Enterprise High Performance Computing 15 SP3
- emacs as component of SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 15 SP1-LTSS
- emacs-el as component of SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 15 SP1-LTSS
- emacs-info as component of SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 15 SP1-LTSS
- emacs-nox as component of SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 15 SP1-LTSS
- emacs-x11 as component of SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 15 SP1-LTSS
- etags as component of SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 15 SP1-LTSS
- emacs as component of SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 15 SP1
- emacs-el as component of SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 15 SP1
- emacs-info as component of SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 15 SP1
- emacs-nox as component of SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 15 SP1
- emacs-x11 as component of SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 15 SP1
- etags as component of SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 15 SP1
- and 42 more
- Fixed
- No fixed version is explicitly recorded in the structured CVE data.
- Action
- No verified patch reference is present in the current structured sources. Check the vendor advisory before making a change.
- Workaround
- No verified workaround is recorded. Limit untrusted access and use least privilege until authoritative guidance is available.
04
Evidence and provenance
Published 22 Sept 2026 · Last source change 24 Sept 2026, 01:51 UTC · CWE-829 · Inclusion of Functionality from Untrusted Control Sphere
CVE recordCVE.org · 5.2
CVSS sourceCNA
EPSS source FIRST · tracked since 2026-09-23
?
The date BlackTree first stored a score for this CVE from the daily FIRST EPSS feed.European sourceENISA EUVD · EUVD-2026-84868
Product sourceVendor CSAF · SUSE Product Security Team
Remediation sourceVendor CSAF · Red Hat Product Security
CWE sourceCNA
NVD statusNVD awaiting enrichment
Core structured fields are present and their contributing authorities are shown above.
Material change intelligence
View recent updates ↗What changed after publication
- ENISA EUVD mappingEUVD-2026-84868 was added to the official ENISA EUVD mapping for this CVE.ENISA EUVD ↗
- Before
- not recorded
- After
- {"euvdId":"EUVD-2026-84868"}
- Catalogue recordCVE added to the BlackTree catalogue.CNA ↗
Technical terms and abbreviations used in this report
- CVE
- Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures: the public identifier for one disclosed vulnerability.
- CVSS
- Common Vulnerability Scoring System: a technical severity framework; it is not patching priority by itself.
- EPSS
- Exploit Prediction Scoring System: FIRST's estimate of the probability that exploitation activity will be observed in the next 30 days; it is a forecast, not confirmation.
- CWE
- Common Weakness Enumeration: the standard category describing the underlying software or hardware weakness.
- CNA
- CVE Numbering Authority: an organisation authorised to assign and publish CVE records.
- CISA ADP
- Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency Authorized Data Publisher: structured enrichment added to a CVE record.
- NVD
- National Vulnerability Database: NIST's enrichment service for CVE records.
- CERT / CSIRT
- A computer security incident response team that publishes warnings or coordinates incident response.
- PoC
- Proof of concept: public material that demonstrates or helps reproduce exploitation.
- CSAF
- Common Security Advisory Framework: a machine-readable format for security advisories.
- LoTL
- Living off the land: abuse of legitimate tools or system functions during an attack.