Path Traversal in Vim
CVE-2025-53905
Vim is an open source, command line text editor. Prior to version 9.1.1552, a path traversal issue in Vim’s tar.vim plugin can allow overwriting of arbitrary files when opening specially crafted tar archives. Impact is low because this exploit requires direct user interaction. However, successfully exploitation can lead to overwriting sensitive files or placing executable code in privileged locations, depending on the permissions of the process editing the archive. The victim must edit such a file using Vim which will reveal the filename and the file content, a careful user may suspect some strange things going on. Successful exploitation could results in the ability to execute arbitrary commands on the underlying operating system. Version 9.1.1552 contains a patch for the vulnerability.
Vulnerability class: Path Traversal (Directory Traversal)
EPSS: 0.002 (15.5th percentile) — read the EPSS interpretation.
CVSS v3 metric
CVSS v3 base score 4.1 (Medium). Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:H/PR:N/UI:R/S:C/C:N/I:L/A:L.
Affected products
- Vim — versions < 9.1.1552
Weakness classification (CWE)
References
- security-advisories@github.com (x_refsource_CONFIRM, Exploit, Vendor Advisory)
- security-advisories@github.com (Patch, x_refsource_MISC)
- af854a3a-2127-422b-91ae-364da2661108
Frequently asked questions
- What is CVE-2025-53905?
- CVE-2025-53905 is a medium-severity vulnerability in Vim, classified under Path Traversal. CVSS score: 4.1/10. Published 2025-07-15.
- How severe is CVE-2025-53905?
- Medium severity. CVSS v3 base score is 4.1 out of 10.