CVE-2022-1735
📋 TL;DR
CVE-2022-1735 is a classic buffer overflow vulnerability in Vim text editor versions prior to 8.2.4969. Attackers can exploit this by tricking users into opening specially crafted files, potentially allowing arbitrary code execution. Anyone using vulnerable Vim versions on any operating system is affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- Vim text editor
📦 What is this software?
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 with user privileges leading to full system compromise, data theft, or lateral movement.
Likely Case
Local privilege escalation or arbitrary code execution when users open malicious files.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if proper file handling controls and least privilege principles are enforced.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires user interaction (opening a malicious file). Proof-of-concept code is available in public disclosures.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 8.2.4969 and later
Vendor Advisory: https://github.com/vim/vim/commit/7ce5b2b590256ce53d6af28c1d203fb3bc1d2d97
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Update Vim using your system's package manager (apt, yum, brew, etc.) 2. Verify version is 8.2.4969 or higher 3. No restart needed - just use updated binary
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable vulnerable file types
allConfigure Vim to avoid processing potentially dangerous file types
Add to .vimrc: autocmd BufRead * if &ft == 'dangerous_type' | set readonly | endif
Use alternative editor for untrusted files
linuxConfigure system to use different editor for files from untrusted sources
alias vim='vim -Z' (restricted mode)
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Restrict Vim usage to trusted users only via sudoers or group policies
- Implement application whitelisting to prevent execution of vulnerable Vim binaries
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Run: vim --version | head -1 | grep -q '8.2.4969' && echo 'Patched' || echo 'Vulnerable'Check Version:
vim --version | head -1Verify Fix Applied:
Check version is 8.2.4969 or higher: vim --version | head -1📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Segmentation fault or crash logs from Vim processes
- Unusual file access patterns from Vim
Network Indicators:
- None - this is a local file processing vulnerability
SIEM Query:
process_name:vim AND (event_type:crash OR exit_code:139)🔗 References
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2022/Oct/28
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2022/Oct/41
- https://github.com/vim/vim/commit/7ce5b2b590256ce53d6af28c1d203fb3bc1d2d97
- https://huntr.dev/bounties/c9f85608-ff11-48e4-933d-53d1759d44d9
- 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/7ce5b2b590256ce53d6af28c1d203fb3bc1d2d97
- https://huntr.dev/bounties/c9f85608-ff11-48e4-933d-53d1759d44d9
- https://security.gentoo.org/glsa/202208-32
- https://security.gentoo.org/glsa/202305-16
- https://support.apple.com/kb/HT213488
