#VU80504 Buffer overflow in Vim - CVE-2023-4738

Vulnerability identifier: #VU80504

Vulnerability risk: Low

CVSSv4.0: 1 [CVSS:4.0/AV:L/AC:L/AT:N/PR:N/UI:A/VC:N/VI:N/VA:L/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N/E:U/U:Clear]

CVE-ID: CVE-2023-4738

CWE-ID: CWE-119

Exploitation vector: Network

Exploit availability: No

Vulnerable software:
Vim
Client/Desktop applications / Software for system administration

Vendor: Vim.org

Description

The vulnerability allows a remote attacker to crash the application.

The vulnerability exists due to a boundary error within the vim_regsub_both() function in src/regexp.c. A remote attacker can create a specially crafted file, trick the victim into opening it, trigger memory corruption and crash the application.

Mitigation
Install updates from vendor's website.

Vulnerable software versions

Vim: 9.0.0000 - 9.0.1847

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External links
https://github.com/vim/vim/releases/tag/v9.0.1848
https://github.com/vim/vim/commit/ced2c7394aafdc90fb7845e09b3a3fee23d48cb1
https://huntr.dev/bounties/9fc7dced-a7bb-4479-9718-f956df20f612

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Q & A

Can this vulnerability be exploited remotely?

Yes. This vulnerability can be exploited by a remote non-authenticated attacker via the Internet.

Is there known malware, which exploits this vulnerability?

No. We are not aware of malware exploiting this vulnerability.