Use After Free in Neovim
CVE-2024-43374
The UNIX editor Vim prior to version 9.1.0678 has a use-after-free error in argument list handling. When adding a new file to the argument list, this triggers `Buf*` autocommands. If in such an autocommand the buffer that was just opened is closed (including the window where it is shown), this causes the window structure to be freed which contains a reference to the argument list that we are actually modifying. Once the autocommands are completed, the references to the window and argument list are no longer valid and as such cause an use-after-free. Impact is low since the user must either intentionally add some unusual autocommands that wipe a buffer during creation (either manually or by sourcing a malicious plugin), but it will crash Vim. The issue has been fixed as of Vim patch v9.1.0678.
Vulnerability class: Use-After-Free
EPSS: 0.003 (27.6th percentile) — read the EPSS interpretation.
CVSS v3 metric
CVSS v3 base score 4.5 (Medium). Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:H/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:L/I:L/A:L.
Affected products
- Neovim
- Netapp Bootstrap_os
- Netapp Hci_compute_node
- Vim — versions < 9.1.0678
Weakness classification (CWE)
Public proof-of-concept exploits
References
- security-advisories@github.com (x_refsource_CONFIRM, Vendor Advisory)
- security-advisories@github.com (Patch, x_refsource_MISC)
- af854a3a-2127-422b-91ae-364da2661108 (Mailing List, Third Party Advisory)
- af854a3a-2127-422b-91ae-364da2661108 (Third Party Advisory)
Frequently asked questions
- What is CVE-2024-43374?
- CVE-2024-43374 is a medium-severity vulnerability in Neovim, classified under Use After Free. CVSS score: 4.5/10. Published 2024-08-16.
- How severe is CVE-2024-43374?
- Medium severity. CVSS v3 base score is 4.5 out of 10.
- Is CVE-2024-43374 known to be exploited?
- 2 public proof-of-concept repositories are indexed. Not currently listed in the CISA KEV catalog.