Critical Use After Free Vulnerability in Vim Package
Summary
UBUNTU-CVE-2021-3796: vim is vulnerable to Use After Free. Affects vim versions < 2:7.4.052-1ubuntu3.1+esm3. Fixed in 2:7.4.052-1ubuntu3.1+esm3. 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 programmers and system administrators for its powerful features and extensibility. However, it has been found to be vulnerable to a Use After Free issue, which can lead to potential exploitation if not addressed promptly.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-3796 in the Vim package arises from a Use After Free condition. This occurs when the program continues to use a memory reference after it has been freed, leading to unpredictable behavior, crashes, or even arbitrary code execution. The severity of this vulnerability is underscored by its CVSS score of 7.3, indicating a high risk to systems utilizing affected versions of Vim.
How To Fix
Minimum fixed version
2:7.4.052-1ubuntu3.1+esm3
This is the first release that contains the fix.
sudo apt-get install --only-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 they can apply the patch. It is advisable to limit the use of plugins or scripts that interact with memory management until the update is completed.
Conclusion
The Use After Free vulnerability in the Vim package poses significant risks to users, with potential for exploitation if not addressed. It is crucial to update to the latest patched versions to mitigate these risks. Users can also utilize tools like Vulert to monitor for vulnerabilities in their applications effectively.
See every vulnerability recorded for vim →
FAQ
CVE-2021-3796 is a vulnerability in the Vim text editor that allows for a Use After Free condition, potentially leading to crashes or arbitrary code execution.
You can check your version of Vim by running 'vim --version' in your terminal. Compare it against the affected versions listed in the vulnerability report.
If an immediate update is not possible, consider limiting the use of Vim or disabling any plugins that may exacerbate the vulnerability until a patch can be applied.
More information can be found in the official Ubuntu security notices or by visiting the CVE database.
Vulert monitors open-source vulnerabilities in your software using a manifest file like package-lock.json, providing real-time alerts without requiring code access or installation.
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