CVE-2000-0270
LowExploitation Probability (EPSS)
Low risk27th percentile - higher than 27% of all known CVEs
Summary
The make-temp-name function in Emacs 20 creates temporary files with predictable names, allowing attackers to conduct a symlink attack.
Risk Assessment
A symlink attack can lead to unauthorized access to data or modification of files by attackers, posing a serious security threat to the system.
Recommendation
It is recommended to update Emacs to the latest version that addresses this vulnerability and to implement additional security measures when creating temporary files.
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-2000-0269Low
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.
Original NVD description (English source)
The make-temp-name Lisp function in Emacs 20 creates temporary files with predictable names, which allows attackers to conduct a symlink attack.
Vulnerability data from NVD (NIST) · CISA KEV · EPSS