CVE-2026-28417
OS Command Injection in Vim netrw Plugin Allows Arbitrary Code Execution
Publication date: 2026-02-27
Last updated on: 2026-03-03
Assigner: GitHub, Inc.
Description
Description
CVSS Scores
EPSS Scores
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Meta Information
Affected Vendors & Products
| Vendor | Product | Version / Range |
|---|---|---|
| vim | vim | to 9.2.0073 (exc) |
Helpful Resources
Exploitability
| CWE ID | Description |
|---|---|
| CWE-86 | The product does not neutralize or incorrectly neutralizes invalid characters or byte sequences in the middle of tag names, URI schemes, and other identifiers. |
| CWE-78 | The product constructs all or part of an OS command using externally-influenced input from an upstream component, but it does not neutralize or incorrectly neutralizes special elements that could modify the intended OS command when it is sent to a downstream component. |
Attack-Flow Graph
AI Powered Q&A
How can this vulnerability be detected on my network or system? Can you suggest some commands?
I don't know
Can you explain this vulnerability to me?
This vulnerability exists in the netrw standard plugin bundled with Vim, an open source command line text editor. Before version 9.2.0073, an attacker could exploit this vulnerability by tricking a user into opening a specially crafted URL, such as one using the scp:// protocol handler. Doing so allows the attacker to execute arbitrary shell commands with the same privileges as the Vim process.
How can this vulnerability impact me? :
If exploited, this vulnerability can allow an attacker to run arbitrary shell commands on your system with the privileges of the Vim process. This could lead to unauthorized actions such as modifying files, stealing data, or further compromising the system depending on the permissions Vim has.
How does this vulnerability affect compliance with common standards and regulations (like GDPR, HIPAA)?:
I don't know
What immediate steps should I take to mitigate this vulnerability?
To mitigate this vulnerability, you should upgrade Vim to version 9.2.0073 or later, as this version fixes the OS command injection issue in the netrw plugin.