vim: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an OS Command
CVE-2026-34982 is a high-severity improper neutralization of special elements used in an OS command vulnerability in vim, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 8.2 out of 10. It can be exploited with local access to the system by an unauthenticated attacker, but only if a user takes part, for example by opening a link or file. Affected vim versions: < 9.2.0276. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.46% chance of exploitation within 30 days, which is low compared with other CVEs.
High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.
What to do
- Check which version of vim you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
- Read the advisory on github.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
- Because the attack needs a user to take part, warn users about unexpected links and files related to this product until it is patched.
Affected products and versions
Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE; 4 further products are omitted here. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.
How the severity score breaks down
- Attack vector
- LocalThe attacker needs local access or must trick a user into running something.
- Attack complexity
- LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
- Privileges required
- NoneNo account or login is needed.
- User interaction
- RequiredA user must take an action such as opening a file or link.
- Scope
- ChangedThe attack can reach beyond the vulnerable component into other systems.
- Confidentiality
- HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
- Integrity
- HighData or code can be modified at will.
- Availability
- NoneAvailability is not affected.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:N. Scored by CNA (github.com).
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 3.1 | 8.2 | High | CNA (github.com) |
| CVSS 3.1 | 8.2 | High | CNA |
Official description
Vim is an open source, command line text editor. Prior to version 9.2.0276, a modeline sandbox bypass in Vim allows arbitrary OS command execution when a user opens a crafted file. The `complete`, `guitabtooltip` and `printheader` options are missing the `P_MLE` flag, allowing a modeline to be executed. Additionally, the `mapset()` function lacks a `check_secure()` call, allowing it to be abused from sandboxed expressions. Commit 9.2.0276 fixes the issue.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an OS Command
The product constructs all or part of an OS command using externally-influenced input from an upstream component, but it does not neutralize or incorrectly neutralizes special elements that could modify the intended OS command before it is sent to a downstream component.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- If at all possible, use library calls rather than external processes to recreate the desired functionality.
- For any data that will be used to generate a command to be executed, keep as much of that data out of external control as possible. For example, in web applications, this may require storing the data locally in the session's state instead of sending it out to the client in a hidden form field.
- For any security checks that are performed on the client side, ensure that these checks are duplicated on the server side, in order to avoid CWE-602. Attackers can bypass the client-side checks by modifying values after the checks have been performed, or by changing the client to remove the client-side checks entirely. Then, these modified values would be submitted to the server.
More Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an OS Command vulnerabilities (CWE-78)
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: no, technical impact: total).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Patches and release notes
- github.com/vim/vim/commit/75661a66a1db1e1f3f1245c615
- github.com/vim/vim/releases/tag/v9.2.0276Release Notes
- openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2026/04/01/1Mailing List, Third Party Advisory
Other references
- access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2026:11389
- access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2026:11509
- access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2026:11510
- access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2026:19073
- access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2026:19224
- access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2026:21275
- access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2026:22634
- access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2026:28049
- access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2026:28050
- access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2026:28133
- access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2026:30078
- access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2026:30087
- access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2026:30088
- access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2026:30089
- access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2026:30900
Other vulnerabilities in vim
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.3 High severity
Recent Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an OS Command vulnerabilities
- 8.8 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 10.0 Critical severity
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