CVE-2025-53906
What it is
Vim is an open source, command line text editor. Prior to version 9.1.1551, a path traversal issue in Vim’s zip.vim plugin can allow overwriting of arbitrary files when opening specially crafted zip 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 9.1.1551 contains a patch for the vulnerability.
At a glance
- Exploitability
- Can be exploited locally on the machine without logging in, but needs a user to act. Limited direct impact.
- Exploit odds
- 0.9% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS).
- Fix
- A patch, advisory or fixed version is referenced. Upgrade or apply it.
Timeline
- PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
- Last updatedMost recent change to the record
Why it ranks here
- Exploited in the wild: no, CISA does not list it.
- Exploit odds: 0.9% in the next 30 days (EPSS).
- Severity: 4.1 MEDIUM (CVSS).
- Fix: a patch or advisory is linked.
Details
- Published
- Last modified
- Exploit probability
- 0.9% · EPSS, next 30 days
- Weakness
- CWE-22 · Path traversal
- Record status
- Modified
Affected
- Vim < 9.1.1551
Attack profile CVSS 3.1 · 4.1
- Attack vector
- Local
- Complexity
- High
- Privileges needed
- None
- User interaction
- Required
- Scope
- Changed
- Confidentiality
- None
- Integrity
- Low
- Availability
- Low
Raw vector
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:H/PR:N/UI:R/S:C/C:N/I:L/A:L
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-2025-53906.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2025-53906. Read only. Don't change anything and don't upload my code. Tell me yes, no or not sure, with the file as proof.
Fix and advisories
- https://github.com/vim/vim/commit/586294a04179d855c3d1d4ee5ea83931963680b8
- https://github.com/vim/vim/security/advisories/GHSA-r2fw-9cw4-mj86
- https://github.com/vim/vim/security/advisories/GHSA-r2fw-9cw4-mj86
References
- https://github.com/vim/vim/commit/586294a04179d855c3d1d4ee5ea83931963680b8
- https://github.com/vim/vim/security/advisories/GHSA-r2fw-9cw4-mj86
- http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2025/07/15/2
- http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2026/04/01/4
- https://github.com/vim/vim/security/advisories/GHSA-r2fw-9cw4-mj86