CVE-2001-0289: Joe text editor 2.8 searches the current working directory (CWD) for the .joerc configuration file, which coul

Routine

MEDIUM 4.6DOWNGRADE

CVE-2001-0289 is a medium-severity flaw (CVSS 4.6) affecting joe. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Joe text editor 2.8 searches the current working directory (CWD) for the .joerc configuration file, which could allow local users to gain privileges of other users by placing a Trojan Horse .joerc file into a directory, then waiting for users to execute joe from that directory.

Why this priority

Public exploit reference

No fix is published yet: follow the downgrade or mitigation steps.

Risk facts

CVSS score	4.6 (Medium)
EPSS exploit chance	0.7% (top 45%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2001-05-03
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: joseph allen

Last updated 2026-06-16 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2001-05-03 04:00 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 21:54 UTCUpdated Record last modified

joseph allen joe DOWNGRADE

Affected: 2.8

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 2.8

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy joe || rpm -q joe || joe --version

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 2.8 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison joe sudo apt install joe=<VERSION_BEFORE_2.8> sudo apt-mark hold joe

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

dnf --showduplicates list joe sudo dnf downgrade joe-<VERSION_BEFORE_2.8> sudo dnf versionlock add joe

Downgrade risk

Downgrading can break dependent software and may reopen older bugs. Read the distro advisory first and test on a non-production host.

After downgrade

Restart the service, and keep the package held until a fixed release ships.

Public exploits and detection

Public code exists for this CVE. Treat unpatched systems as at risk, and only run PoCs in a lab.

Exploit-DB: Joe Text Editor 2.8 - '.joerc' Arbitrary Command Execution

Verify at the official source NVD · CVE Program · Report a problem with this page
Scores and fixes here are computed automatically from those and other public sources. Confirm with the vendor advisory before changing production systems.

Quick answers

How do I fix CVE-2001-0289?

joe: downgrade or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2001-0289 being exploited?

CVE-2001-0289 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

What does CVE-2001-0289 affect?

CVE-2001-0289 affects joe. Severity is medium (CVSS 4.6). Joe text editor 2.8 searches the current working directory (CWD) for the .joerc configuration file, which could allow local users to gain privileges of other users by placing a Trojan Horse .joerc file into a directory, then waiting for use

How urgent is CVE-2001-0289?

Priority 35/100. Public exploit reference

Related CVEs

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CVE-2000-1178 MEDIUM 5.5 DOWNGRADE Joe text editor follows symbolic links when creating a rescue copy called DEADJOE during an abnormal exit, whi
CVE-1999-1545 LOW 2.1 DOWNGRADE Joe's Own Editor (joe) 2.8 sets the world-readable permission on its crash-save file, DEADJOE, which could all

References

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