CVE-2025-66476
Unknown Unknown - Not Provided
BaseFortify

Publication date: 2025-12-02

Last updated on: 2025-12-03

Assigner: GitHub, Inc.

Description
Vim is an open source, command line text editor. Prior to version 9.1.1947, an uncontrolled search path vulnerability on Windows allows Vim to execute malicious executables placed in the current working directory for the current edited file. On Windows, when using cmd.exe as a shell, Vim resolves external commands by searching the current working directory before system paths. When Vim invokes tools such as findstr for :grep, external commands or filters via :!, or compiler/:make commands, it may inadvertently run a malicious executable present in the same directory as the file being edited. The issue affects Vim for Windows prior to version 9.1.1947.
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Meta Information
Published
2025-12-02
Last Modified
2025-12-03
Generated
2026-06-16
AI Q&A
2025-12-03
EPSS Evaluated
2026-06-14
NVD
CVE-2025-66476
Affected Vendors & Products
Showing 1 associated CPE
Vendor Product Version / Range
vim vim 9.1.1946
Helpful Resources
Exploitability
CWE
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KEV
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CWE ID Description
CWE-427 The product uses a fixed or controlled search path to find resources, but one or more locations in that path can be under the control of unintended actors.
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Executive Summary

This vulnerability in Vim for Windows prior to version 9.1.1947 involves an uncontrolled search path issue. When Vim uses cmd.exe as a shell, it searches the current working directory before system paths to resolve external commands. This behavior can cause Vim to execute malicious executables placed in the same directory as the file being edited, for example when running commands like :grep, :!, or compiler/:make commands.

Impact Analysis

The vulnerability can lead to the execution of malicious code with the privileges of the user running Vim. This can result in compromise of confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the system, as malicious executables in the current directory may be run unintentionally.

Mitigation Strategies

Update Vim for Windows to version 9.1.1947 or later to ensure the uncontrolled search path vulnerability is fixed. Avoid running Vim in directories where untrusted executables may be present. As a temporary measure, do not use cmd.exe as the shell within Vim or avoid using commands like :grep, :!, or compiler/:make that invoke external commands in untrusted directories.

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