NULL Pointer Dereference Vulnerability in Vim Package

vim Updated 02 Oct 2025

Summary

07/03/2023
N/A
Yes i
Unrated
Not published

DEBIAN-CVE-2023-1264: NULL Pointer Dereference in GitHub repository vim/vim prior to 9.0.1392. Affects vim versions < 2:9.0.1658-1. Fixed in 2:9.0.1658-1. 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, including syntax highlighting, multi-level undo, and extensive plugin support. However, a recent vulnerability has been identified that affects versions of Vim prior to 9.0.1392, which could lead to potential crashes or unexpected behavior.

Vulnerability Detail

The vulnerability, identified as CVE-2023-1264, is a NULL Pointer Dereference issue that occurs in the Vim package. This flaw can be exploited by an attacker to cause the application to crash or behave unpredictably, potentially leading to data loss or service disruption. The vulnerability arises from improper handling of certain inputs, which can lead to dereferencing a null pointer in the code.

How To Fix

Minimum fixed version

2:9.0.1658-1

This is the first release that contains the fix.

sudo apt-get install --only-upgrade vim

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Workaround

As a temporary workaround, users can avoid using specific features of Vim that may trigger the vulnerability until they can apply the patch. However, it is strongly recommended to update to the latest version as soon as possible.

Conclusion

The NULL Pointer Dereference vulnerability in the Vim package poses significant risks to users running affected versions. It is crucial to update to the patched version to mitigate these risks. Users are encouraged to utilize tools like Vulert for ongoing monitoring of vulnerabilities in their software.

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FAQ

CVE-2023-1264 is a vulnerability in the Vim text editor that allows for a NULL Pointer Dereference, potentially causing crashes.

You can check your version of Vim by running 'vim --version' in your terminal. If it is below 9.0.1392, it is affected.

Not fixing this vulnerability could lead to application crashes, data loss, or exploitation by malicious users.

Yes, you can use tools like Vulert, which monitors open-source vulnerabilities in your software by analyzing your manifest files.

More information can be found in the official Debian security advisories or by visiting the Vulert website.

Related vulnerabilities

Recent vulnerabilities recorded for vim.

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How To Fix

Minimum fixed version

2:9.0.1658-1

This is the first release that contains the fix.

sudo apt-get install --only-upgrade vim

Tip — Not sure which version your app runs? Vulert can match this fix to it. Scan free →

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