Critical Vulnerability in Vim Package: User Interaction Required for Exploitation
Summary
UBUNTU-CVE-2023-48236: Vim is an open source command line text editor. Affects vim versions < 2:7.4.052-1ubuntu3.1+esm15. Fixed in 2:7.4.052-1ubuntu3.1+esm15. How to fix ↓
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Background
Vim is a widely used open-source command line text editor known for its efficiency and versatility in editing text files. It supports various programming languages and is favored by developers for its powerful features, including syntax highlighting, multi-level undo, and extensive plugin support. However, a recent vulnerability has been identified that could potentially allow an attacker to exploit the software under specific conditions.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability, identified as CVE-2023-48236, arises when users utilize the z= command within Vim. This command may allow users to overflow the count with values larger than MAX_INT, leading to unpredictable behavior. Although the impact is considered low and requires user interaction, it could result in a crash or other unintended consequences. The vulnerability has been addressed in commit 73b2d379, included in release version 9.0.2111.
How To Fix
Minimum fixed version
2:7.4.052-1ubuntu3.1+esm15
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
Currently, there are no known workarounds for this vulnerability other than updating to the patched version of Vim.
Conclusion
In summary, CVE-2023-48236 is a low-severity vulnerability in the Vim text editor that requires user interaction to exploit. Users are advised to update to the patched version to mitigate any potential risks. Monitoring tools like Vulert can assist in identifying vulnerabilities in your software.
See every vulnerability recorded for vim →
FAQ
CVE-2023-48236 is a vulnerability in the Vim text editor that may allow users to overflow the count with values larger than MAX_INT when using the z= command.
The CVSS score for this vulnerability is 4.3, indicating a low severity level that requires user interaction for exploitation.
If you are using an affected version of Vim, you should update to the latest patched version to protect against this vulnerability.
Yes, you can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities in your software by analyzing a manifest file like package-lock.json.
You can check if your application is affected by this vulnerability using the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner without requiring any signup.
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