Local Security Bug in GNU Emacs
A vulnerability in the extended text editor GNU Emacs gives local attackers the ability to run arbitrary code.
Developer Drake Wilson disclosed the vulnerability on the Debian Security mailing list. The error is caused by incorrect behavior of the "hack-local-variables" function if it is set to ":safe". The documentation for the function states that Emacs only runs variables that are declared as safe in this case, but this is not true: Emacs actually ignores the function and uses any local variable. An attacker could exploit this to modify the current user’s init file and execute code by means of a carefully crafted Emacs Lisp file.
The bug affects Emacs version 22.1 and possibly others. The Emacs 22.1 package in the Debian Etch repository does not have the bug says another developer. A fix is available from the CVS repository. The vulnerability has been assigned CVE ID CVE-2007-5795. The GNU Emacs maintainer has been notified.
Issue 243/2021
Buy this issue as a PDF
News
-
Mozilla VPN Now Available for Linux
The promised subscription-based VPN service from Mozilla is now available for the Linux platform.
-
Wayland and New App Menu Coming to KDE
The 2021 roadmap for the KDE desktop environment includes some exciting features and improvements.
-
Deepin 20.1 has Arrived
Debian-based Deepin 20.1 has been released with some interesting new features.
-
CloudLinux Commits Over 1 Million Dollars to CentOS Replacement
An open source, drop-in replacement for CentOS is on its way.
-
Linux Mint 20.1 Beta has Been Released
The first beta of Linux Mint, Ulyssa, is now available for downloading.
-
Manjaro Linux 20.2 has Been Unleashed
The latest iteration of Manjaro Linux has been released with a few interesting new features.
-
Patreon Project Looks to Bring Linux to Apple Silicon
Developer Hector Martin has created a patreon page to fund his work on developing a port of Linux for Apple Silicon Macs.
-
A New Chrome OS-Like Ubuntu Remix is Now Available
Ubuntu Web looks to be your Chrome OS alternative.
-
System76 Refreshes the Galago Pro Laptop
Linux hardware maker has revamped one of their most popular laptops.
-
Dell Will Soon Enable Privacy Controls for Linux Hardware
Dell makes it possible for Linux users to disable webcams and microphones.