CVE-2022-1381
📋 TL;DR
CVE-2022-1381 is a heap buffer overflow vulnerability in Vim's skip_range function that allows attackers to crash the application, bypass memory protections, modify memory, and potentially execute arbitrary code. This affects users running Vim versions prior to 8.2.4763. The vulnerability can be triggered by processing specially crafted files.
💻 Affected Systems
- Vim
- Neovim (if using vulnerable Vim components)
- Applications embedding Vim
📦 What is this software?
Fedora by Fedoraproject
Fedora by Fedoraproject
Fedora by Fedoraproject
Macos by Apple
macOS is Apple's desktop and laptop operating system powering Mac computers used by millions of professionals, developers, creative professionals, and enterprise users worldwide. Built on a Unix foundation with the Darwin kernel and modern Cocoa frameworks, macOS delivers a seamless ecosystem integr...
Learn more about Macos →Vim by Vim
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Remote code execution leading to complete system compromise, data theft, or persistent backdoor installation.
Likely Case
Application crash (denial of service) and potential memory corruption leading to information disclosure.
If Mitigated
Limited to application crash if exploit attempts are blocked by security controls or sandboxing.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires user to open a malicious file. Proof-of-concept code is publicly available in disclosure references.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 8.2.4763 and later
Vendor Advisory: https://github.com/vim/vim/commit/f50808ed135ab973296bca515ae4029b321afe47
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Update Vim using your package manager (apt-get update && apt-get upgrade vim, yum update vim, etc.) 2. Or compile from source using the patched version from GitHub 3. Verify version with 'vim --version'
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable vulnerable functionality
allRestrict Vim's ability to process certain file types or disable vulnerable parsing features
# Consider using alternative editors for untrusted files
# Set vim to read-only mode for unknown files: vim -R
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Restrict Vim usage to trusted files only and implement application allowlisting
- Implement network segmentation and monitor for suspicious Vim process behavior
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Run 'vim --version' and check if version is below 8.2.4763Check Version:
vim --version | head -1Verify Fix Applied:
Run 'vim --version' and confirm version is 8.2.4763 or higher📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Vim process crashes with segmentation faults
- Abnormal memory usage patterns in Vim processes
Network Indicators:
- Unusual file downloads followed by Vim execution
- Network transfers of suspicious text files
SIEM Query:
Process:name=vim AND (EventID=1000 OR Signal=SIGSEGV) OR Process:parent_name=vim AND CommandLine:contains("suspicious_pattern")🔗 References
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2022/Oct/28
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2022/Oct/41
- https://github.com/vim/vim/commit/f50808ed135ab973296bca515ae4029b321afe47
- https://huntr.dev/bounties/55f9c0e8-c221-48b6-a00e-bdcaebaba4a4
- https://lists.fedoraproject.org/archives/list/package-announce%40lists.fedoraproject.org/message/KVPZVE2CIE2NGCHZDMEHPBWN3LK2UQAA/
- https://lists.fedoraproject.org/archives/list/package-announce%40lists.fedoraproject.org/message/X6E457NYOIRWBJHKB7ON44UY5AVTG4HU/
- https://security.gentoo.org/glsa/202208-32
- https://security.gentoo.org/glsa/202305-16
- https://support.apple.com/kb/HT213488
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2022/Oct/28
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2022/Oct/41
- https://github.com/vim/vim/commit/f50808ed135ab973296bca515ae4029b321afe47
- https://huntr.dev/bounties/55f9c0e8-c221-48b6-a00e-bdcaebaba4a4
- https://lists.fedoraproject.org/archives/list/package-announce%40lists.fedoraproject.org/message/KVPZVE2CIE2NGCHZDMEHPBWN3LK2UQAA/
- https://lists.fedoraproject.org/archives/list/package-announce%40lists.fedoraproject.org/message/X6E457NYOIRWBJHKB7ON44UY5AVTG4HU/
- https://security.gentoo.org/glsa/202208-32
- https://security.gentoo.org/glsa/202305-16
- https://support.apple.com/kb/HT213488
