Critical Command Injection and Code Execution Vulnerabilities in Vim
Summary
RLSA-2026:38509: Important: vim security update. Affects vim versions < 2:9.1.083-9.el10_2.7. Fixed in 2:9.1.083-9.el10_2.7. How to fix ↓
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Background
Vim, short for Vi IMproved, is a highly configurable text editor built to enable efficient text editing. It is widely used by programmers and system administrators due to its powerful features, including syntax highlighting, multi-level undo, and support for plugins. However, recent vulnerabilities have exposed it to significant security risks, particularly through command injection and arbitrary code execution, which can be exploited by malicious actors.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerabilities identified in Vim include command injection when decompressing .tgz archives (CVE-2026-46483), arbitrary code execution via crafted directory names (CVE-2026-47162), and through Python omni-completion (CVE-2026-52858). Additionally, crafted step-definition patterns can also lead to arbitrary code execution (CVE-2026-47167). These vulnerabilities can allow attackers to execute arbitrary commands or code, potentially compromising the integrity and confidentiality of the system.
How To Fix
Minimum fixed version
2:9.1.083-9.el10_2.7
This is the first release that contains the fix.
sudo dnf update vimTip — Not sure which version your app runs? Vulert can match this fix to it. Scan free →
Workaround
As a temporary measure, users are advised to avoid opening untrusted .tgz archives or using crafted directory names until the update is applied. Additionally, disabling Python omni-completion in Vim can mitigate the risk until the patch is installed.
Conclusion
The recent security update for Vim addresses critical vulnerabilities that could lead to command injection and arbitrary code execution. Users are strongly encouraged to update their Vim installations to the latest patched version to safeguard their systems against potential exploits.
See every vulnerability recorded for vim →
FAQ
Vim is a text editor that enhances the capabilities of the original vi editor, providing advanced features for efficient text editing.
The main vulnerabilities include command injection and arbitrary code execution through various means, such as crafted directory names and Python omni-completion.
You can use Vulert to monitor and alert for open-source vulnerabilities in your software. Visit Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected without needing to sign up.
The CVSS score for these vulnerabilities is 7.3, indicating a high level of severity.
It is recommended to regularly check for updates and apply them promptly to ensure your software is protected against known vulnerabilities.
References
Related vulnerabilities
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