CVE-2000-0269
LowExploitation Probability (EPSS)
Low risk28th percentile - higher than 28% of all known CVEs
Summary
Emacs 20 does not properly set permissions for a slave PTY device when starting a new subprocess, which allows local users to read or modify communications between Emacs and the subprocess.
Risk Assessment
Local users may gain access to sensitive data or manipulate communications, potentially compromising the integrity and confidentiality of information.
Recommendation
It is recommended to upgrade to a newer version of Emacs that addresses the permission management for PTY devices.
Other vulnerabilities in Emacs 20
See all- CVE-2014-9483High
Emacs 24.4 allows remote attackers to bypass security restrictions.
- CVE-2026-96442High
A code execution flaw was found in Emacs, affecting versions prior to 31.2. The Flymake mode using language backends other than Lisp would execute arbitrary code from the edited file while performing syntax checking. Viewing or editing untrusted files using Emacs could lead to arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the user running Emacs.
- CVE-2025-1244High
A command injection vulnerability was discovered in the Emacs text editor. A remote, unauthenticated attacker can exploit it to execute arbitrary shell commands on a vulnerable system. The attack is triggered by tricking users into visiting a specially crafted website or an HTTP URL with a redirect.
- CVE-2000-0271Medium
The read-passwd and other Lisp functions in Emacs 20 do not properly clear the history of recently typed keys, allowing an attacker to read unencrypted passwords.
- CVE-2000-0270Low
The make-temp-name function in Emacs 20 creates temporary files with predictable names, allowing attackers to conduct a symlink attack.
Original NVD description (English source)
Emacs 20 does not properly set permissions for a slave PTY device when starting a new subprocess, which allows local users to read or modify communications between Emacs and the subprocess.
Vulnerability data from NVD (NIST) · CISA KEV · EPSS

