Use After Free in Vim
CVE-2023-48706
Vim is a UNIX editor that, prior to version 9.0.2121, has a heap-use-after-free vulnerability. When executing a `:s` command for the very first time and using a sub-replace-special atom inside the substitution part, it is possible that the recursive `:s` call causes free-ing of memory which may later then be accessed by the initial `:s` command. The user must intentionally execute the payload and the whole process is a bit tricky to do since it seems to work only reliably for the very first :s command. It may also cause a crash of Vim. Version 9.0.2121 contains a fix for this issue.
Vulnerability class: Use-After-Free
EPSS: 0.004 (36.2th percentile) — read the EPSS interpretation.
CVSS v3 metric
CVSS v3 base score 3.6 (Low). Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:H/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:N/I:L/A:L.
Affected products
- Vim — versions < 9.0.2121
Weakness classification (CWE)
Public proof-of-concept exploits
References
- security-advisories@github.com (x_refsource_CONFIRM, Exploit, Vendor Advisory)
- security-advisories@github.com (Patch, x_refsource_MISC, Issue Tracking)
- security-advisories@github.com (Patch, x_refsource_MISC)
- security-advisories@github.com (Exploit, x_refsource_MISC)
- security-advisories@github.com (Patch, Mailing List, Third Party Advisory)
- security-advisories@github.com
- security-advisories@github.com
- security-advisories@github.com
Frequently asked questions
- What is CVE-2023-48706?
- CVE-2023-48706 is a low-severity vulnerability in Vim, classified under Use After Free. CVSS score: 3.6/10. Published 2023-11-22.
- How severe is CVE-2023-48706?
- Low severity. CVSS v3 base score is 3.6 out of 10.
- Is CVE-2023-48706 known to be exploited?
- 1 public proof-of-concept repositories are indexed. Not currently listed in the CISA KEV catalog.