CVE-2008-3074

What it is

The shellescape function in Vim 7.0 through 7.2, including 7.2a.10, allows user-assisted attackers to execute arbitrary code via the "!" (exclamation point) shell metacharacter in (1) the filename of a tar archive and possibly (2) the filename of the first file in a tar archive, which is not properly handled by the VIM TAR plugin (tar.vim) v.10 through v.22, as demonstrated by the shellescape, tarplugin.v2, tarplugin, and tarplugin.updated test cases. NOTE: this issue reportedly exists because of an incomplete fix for CVE-2008-2712. NOTE: this issue has the same root cause as CVE-2008-3075. NOTE: due to the complexity of the associated disclosures and the incomplete information related to them, there may be inaccuracies in this CVE description and in external mappings to this identifier.

At a glance

Exploitability

Can be exploited over the network without logging in. High risk of data exposure, data tampering, service disruption.

Exploit odds

3.8% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS).

Fix

A patch, advisory or fixed version is referenced. Upgrade or apply it.

Timeline

1. 2009-02-21 22:30 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2. 2026-06-16 22:55 UTC Last updatedMost recent change to the record

Why it ranks here

• Exploited in the wild: no, CISA does not list it.
• Exploit odds: 3.8% in the next 30 days (EPSS).
• Severity: 9.3 HIGH (CVSS).
• Fix: a patch or advisory is linked.

Details

Published

2009-02-21 22:30 UTC

Last modified

2026-06-16 22:55 UTC

Exploit probability

3.8% · EPSS, next 30 days

Weakness

CWE-78 · OS command injection

Record status

Modified

Affected

• Vim tar.vim v.10
• Vim tar.vim v.11
• Vim tar.vim v.12
• Vim tar.vim v.13
• Vim tar.vim v.14
• Vim tar.vim v.15
• Vim tar.vim v.16
• Vim tar.vim v.17

Attack profile CVSS 2.0 · 9.3

Attack vector

Network

Complexity

Medium

Authentication

None

Confidentiality

Complete

Integrity

Complete

Availability

Complete

Is it in your code?

Hand this to your coding agent. It searches your project for the affected products and checks versions. Nothing leaves your machine.

Read https://cve-list.com/agent/cve/CVE-2008-3074.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2008-3074. Read only. Don't change anything and don't upload my code. Tell me yes, no or not sure, with the file as proof.

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