Vim: Vim command injection vulnerability (CVE-2025-27423) #shorts

Summary

In today's episode, we dive into the details of a critical vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-27423. This vulnerability affects the Vim text editor, a popular open-source command line tool. The flaw allows arbitrary code execution through the exploitation of specially crafted TAR archives.

Product details

Vim is widely used across different platforms as a powerful text editor. It's favored for its lightweight nature and extensive customizability. The vulnerability specifically impacts versions up to 9.1.1163 and involves the tar.vim plugin, which is typically utilized for editing and viewing TAR files. A fix is available starting from Vim patch version 9.1.1164.

Vulnerability type summary

This vulnerability is classified as a command injection flaw, referenced under CWE-77: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command ('Command Injection'). This type of vulnerability can allow attackers to execute arbitrary commands on a host system, depending on how inputs are handled and processed by the software.

Details of the vulnerability

The vulnerability arises from inadequate input sanitization in the tar.vim plugin of Vim. When editing TAR files, user inputs executed via the ":read" ex command line are directly taken from untrusted TAR archives. This presents an opportunity for attackers to inject and execute arbitrary shell commands if the shell environment used ('shell' option) is vulnerable. Consequently, this could potentially lead to privilege escalation, depending on the execution context.

Conclusion

To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2025-27423, it is crucial for users and administrators to upgrade Vim to version 9.1.1164 or later. This update includes patches that address the vulnerability by implementing stricter input validation. Additionally, distributors and package maintainers, such as Fedora with its 41 release, have provided patches ensuring users stay protected. Stay vigilant and ensure your systems are updated to prevent exploitation.

This chain involves the following actors

This following systems are involved

Attack entry point

Remediation actions

Exploitation actions

• https://github.com/vim/vim/security/advisories/GHSA-wfmf-8626-q3r3
• https://github.com/vim/vim/commit/129a8446d23cd9cb4445fcfea259cba5e0487d29
• https://github.com/vim/vim/commit/334a13bff78aa0ad206bc436885f63e3a0bab399