How severe is CVE-2012-3479?

CVE-2012-3479 has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 6.8, rated medium severity.

Is CVE-2012-3479 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 4% (89th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2012-3479?

CVE-2012-3479 primarily affects Gnu Emacs. In total, 4 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.

How do I fix CVE-2012-3479?

Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround.

When was CVE-2012-3479 published?

CVE-2012-3479 was published on 2012-08-25 and last updated on 2026-06-16.

CVE-2012-3479

CVE-2012-3479 is a medium-severity vulnerability in Gnu Emacs with a CVSS 2.0 base score of 6.8. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low.

Key facts

Severity: Medium (CVSS 2.0 base score 6.8)
EPSS exploit prediction: 4% (89th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Affected product: Gnu Emacs
Published: 2012-08-25
Last modified: 2026-06-16

Description

lisp/files.el in Emacs 23.2, 23.3, 23.4, and 24.1 automatically executes eval forms in local-variable sections when the enable-local-variables option is set to :safe, which allows user-assisted remote attackers to execute arbitrary Emacs Lisp code via a crafted file.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2012-3479?: lisp/files.el in Emacs 23.2, 23.3, 23.4, and 24.1 automatically executes eval forms in local-variable sections when the enable-local-variables option is set to :safe, which allows user-assisted remote attackers to execute arbitrary Emacs Lisp code via a crafted file.
How severe is CVE-2012-3479?: CVE-2012-3479 has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 6.8, rated medium severity.
Is CVE-2012-3479 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 4% (89th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2012-3479?: CVE-2012-3479 primarily affects Gnu Emacs. In total, 4 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2012-3479?: Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround.
When was CVE-2012-3479 published?: CVE-2012-3479 was published on 2012-08-25 and last updated on 2026-06-16.

References

Affected products (4)

cpe:2.3:a:gnu:emacs:23.2:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:gnu:emacs:23.3:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:gnu:emacs:23.4:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:gnu:emacs:24.1:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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