CVE-2026-73077

What it is

Vim is an open source, command line text editor. Prior to 9.2.0839, the runtime/ftplugin/sh.vim, runtime/ftplugin/zsh.vim, and runtime/ftplugin/ps1.vim filetype plugins pass attacker-controlled Visual-mode selections from K through keywordprg commands without safely separating shell arguments. fnameescape() and PATH_ESC_CHARS do not neutralize shell metacharacters before ShKeywordPrg, ZshKeywordPrg, or GetHelp invokes bash, zsh, or PowerShell, allowing arbitrary operating-system commands to execute with the privileges of the user running Vim. This issue is fixed in version 9.2.0839.

At a glance

Exploitability

Can be exploited locally on the machine without logging in, but needs a user to act. High risk of data exposure, data tampering, service disruption.

Exploit odds

0.1% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS).

Fix

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

Timeline

1. 2026-08-11 16:17 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2. 2026-10-06 19:34 UTC Last updatedMost recent change to the record

Details

Published

2026-08-11 16:17 UTC

Last modified

2026-10-06 19:34 UTC

Exploit probability

0.1% · EPSS, next 30 days

Weakness

CWE-78 · OS command injection

Record status

Analyzed

Affected

• Vim < 9.2.0839

Attack profile CVSS 4.0 · 8.4

Attack vector

Local

Complexity

Low

Attack requirements

None

Privileges needed

None

User interaction

Active

Confidentiality

High

Integrity

High

Availability

High