CVE-2024-53920Public exploit

Arbitrary code execution via unsafe macro expansion

Published Nov 27, 2024 · Updated Aug 20, 2026

Code injection in GNU Emacs before 30.1 allows attackers to execute arbitrary code when a user processes untrusted Emacs Lisp source. In elisp-mode.el, elisp--local-variables and elisp-flymake-byte-compile expand attacker-controlled macros without first treating the file as untrusted. Execution requires a user to invoke code completion or enable on-the-fly diagnostics, although file-local variables can activate Flymake in default configurations.

CVSS severity7.8
High
EPSS probability0.64%
Next 30 days · Sep 16, 2026
Known exploitationUnconfirmed
Based on sourced intelligence
Hinoki checkNot available
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Summary

What happened

Code injection in GNU Emacs before 30.1 allows attackers to execute arbitrary code when a user processes untrusted Emacs Lisp source. In elisp-mode.el, elisp--local-variables and elisp-flymake-byte-compile expand attacker-controlled macros without first treating the file as untrusted. Execution requires a user to invoke code completion or enable on-the-fly diagnostics, although file-local variables can activate Flymake in default configurations.

The record

CVE
CVE-2024-53920
Published
Nov 27, 2024
Updated
Aug 20, 2026
Vendor
The GnuPG Project
Product
GNU Emacs
Classifications
CWE-94, T1204.002
Attack vector
local
Privileges
unauthenticated

Timeline

How it unfolded

  1. Nov 27, 2024CVE publishedPublication date reported by the CVE source.
  2. Aug 20, 2026Record updatedLatest update available in the CVE record.

Exploitability

Present is not the same as exploitable

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Is a vulnerable build present?

Compare these published version ranges with your installed build and any vendor patches.

  1. Affected versionversion=30.0.92

What conditions does exploitation require?

Attack vectorlocal
Required privilegesunauthenticated

What is affected?

The GnuPG Project · GNU Emacsversion=30.0.92

Published CVSS scores

7.8CISA-ADPCVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

CVSS describes severity. EPSS estimates exploitation probability.

Attacks

What attackers are doing with it

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No observations available

Sep 10, 2026Sep 16, 2026
Latest reporting daySep 16, 2026
Latest daily unique IPsUnavailable
Prior 30-day averageUnavailable
SourceShadowserver honeypots (KEV)
Vectorlocal
Privilegesunauthenticated
Known exploitationUnconfirmed
Public exploitPublished

Weakness, pattern, technique

CWE-94Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')
T1204.002User Execution: Malicious File

Public exploit references

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Technologies

Your stack

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Your stack

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