CVE-2023-4750
📋 TL;DR
CVE-2023-4750 is a use-after-free vulnerability in Vim text editor that could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code by tricking a user into opening a specially crafted file. This affects all users running vulnerable versions of Vim who open untrusted files. The vulnerability occurs when Vim improperly handles memory after freeing it, creating an opportunity for exploitation.
💻 Affected Systems
- 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 with the privileges of the Vim user, potentially leading to full system compromise if the user has elevated privileges.
Likely Case
Local privilege escalation or arbitrary code execution when a user opens a malicious file, potentially leading to data theft or further system compromise.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if users only open trusted files and Vim runs with minimal privileges, though the vulnerability still exists.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires user interaction to open a malicious file. Proof of concept details are available in public disclosures.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 9.0.1857 and later
Vendor Advisory: https://github.com/vim/vim/commit/fc68299d436cf87453e432daa77b6d545df4d7ed
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Update Vim using your system's package manager (apt, yum, brew, etc.) 2. For source installations: git pull from official repository and rebuild 3. Verify version with 'vim --version' shows 9.0.1857 or higher
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict file opening
allConfigure Vim to only open files from trusted sources and avoid opening untrusted files.
Use alternative editor
allTemporarily use a different text editor until Vim can be patched.
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Run Vim with minimal privileges using sandboxing or containerization
- Implement strict file access controls and only open files from trusted sources
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Run 'vim --version' and check if version is below 9.0.1857Check Version:
vim --version | head -1Verify Fix Applied:
Run 'vim --version' and confirm version is 9.0.1857 or higher📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual Vim process crashes
- Suspicious file access patterns in Vim
Network Indicators:
- N/A - This is a local file-based vulnerability
SIEM Query:
Process execution where process_name='vim' AND (version < '9.0.1857' OR suspicious_file_access=true)🔗 References
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2023/Oct/24
- https://github.com/vim/vim/commit/fc68299d436cf87453e432daa77b6d545df4d7ed
- https://huntr.dev/bounties/1ab3ebdf-fe7d-4436-b483-9a586e03b0ea
- https://lists.fedoraproject.org/archives/list/package-announce@lists.fedoraproject.org/message/I56ITJAFMFAQ2G3BMGTCGM3GS62V2DTR/
- https://lists.fedoraproject.org/archives/list/package-announce@lists.fedoraproject.org/message/ITRVK4FB74RZDIGTZJXOZMUW6X6F4TNF/
- https://lists.fedoraproject.org/archives/list/package-announce@lists.fedoraproject.org/message/PFE3LDFRZ7EGWA5AU7YHYL62ELBOFZWQ/
- https://support.apple.com/kb/HT213984
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2023/Oct/24
- https://github.com/vim/vim/commit/fc68299d436cf87453e432daa77b6d545df4d7ed
- https://huntr.dev/bounties/1ab3ebdf-fe7d-4436-b483-9a586e03b0ea
- https://lists.fedoraproject.org/archives/list/package-announce@lists.fedoraproject.org/message/I56ITJAFMFAQ2G3BMGTCGM3GS62V2DTR/
- https://lists.fedoraproject.org/archives/list/package-announce@lists.fedoraproject.org/message/ITRVK4FB74RZDIGTZJXOZMUW6X6F4TNF/
- https://lists.fedoraproject.org/archives/list/package-announce@lists.fedoraproject.org/message/PFE3LDFRZ7EGWA5AU7YHYL62ELBOFZWQ/
- https://support.apple.com/kb/HT213984
