Critical Use After Free Vulnerability in Vim Package
Summary
ALPINE-CVE-2023-4733: Use After Free in GitHub repository vim/vim prior to 9.0.1840. Affects vim versions < 9.0.2073-r0. Fixed in 9.0.2073-r0. How to fix ↓
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Background
Vim is a highly configurable text editor built to enable efficient text editing. It is widely used by developers and system administrators for its powerful features and extensibility. However, like many software packages, it can be susceptible to vulnerabilities that may compromise system security. This specific vulnerability affects multiple versions of the Vim package in Alpine Linux distributions.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-4733 is a Use After Free issue found in the Vim text editor prior to version 9.0.1840. This flaw can lead to potential exploitation, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code, which may result in unauthorized access or data corruption. The vulnerability arises from improper memory management, where memory that has already been freed is accessed again, leading to unpredictable behavior.
How To Fix
Minimum fixed version
9.0.2073-r0
This is the first release that contains the fix.
sudo apk add --upgrade vimTip — Not sure which version your app runs? Vulert can match this fix to it. Scan free →
Workaround
As a temporary workaround, users can avoid using features of Vim that may trigger the vulnerability until the package is updated. Additionally, consider using alternative text editors that do not have this vulnerability.
Conclusion
CVE-2023-4733 represents a significant security risk for users of the Vim text editor in Alpine Linux. It is crucial to update to the patched versions to mitigate potential threats. Users are encouraged to monitor their software for vulnerabilities using tools like Vulert, which can alert in real-time for open-source vulnerabilities.
See every vulnerability recorded for vim →
FAQ
CVE-2023-4733 is a Use After Free vulnerability in the Vim text editor that can lead to arbitrary code execution.
Versions of Vim prior to 9.0.1840 are affected by this vulnerability.
You can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without needing to sign up.
The CVSS score for CVE-2023-4733 is 7.8, indicating a high severity level.
If an immediate update is not possible, consider using alternative text editors or limiting the use of Vim features that may exploit the vulnerability.
References
Related vulnerabilities
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