How severe is CVE-2023-27985?

CVE-2023-27985 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.

Is CVE-2023-27985 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (62nd percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2023-27985?

CVE-2023-27985 affects Gnu Emacs. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.

How do I fix CVE-2023-27985?

Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.

When was CVE-2023-27985 published?

CVE-2023-27985 was published on 2023-03-09 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2023-27985

CVE-2023-27985 is a high-severity vulnerability in Gnu Emacs with a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-78.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 7.8)
EPSS exploit prediction: 1% (62nd percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-78
Affected product: Gnu Emacs
Published: 2023-03-09
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

emacsclient-mail.desktop in Emacs 28.1 through 28.2 is vulnerable to shell command injections through a crafted mailto: URI. This is related to lack of compliance with the Desktop Entry Specification. It is fixed in 29.0.90

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2023-27985?: emacsclient-mail.desktop in Emacs 28.1 through 28.2 is vulnerable to shell command injections through a crafted mailto: URI. This is related to lack of compliance with the Desktop Entry Specification. It is fixed in 29.0.90
How severe is CVE-2023-27985?: CVE-2023-27985 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.
Is CVE-2023-27985 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (62nd percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2023-27985?: CVE-2023-27985 affects Gnu Emacs. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
How do I fix CVE-2023-27985?: Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.
When was CVE-2023-27985 published?: CVE-2023-27985 was published on 2023-03-09 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (1)

cpe:2.3:a:gnu:emacs:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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