CVE-2022-2286 in vim
Summary
by MITRE • 07/03/2022
Out-of-bounds Read in GitHub repository vim/vim prior to 9.0.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/25/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-2286 represents a critical out-of-bounds read flaw discovered in the popular Vim text editor repository prior to version 9.0. This issue manifests within the Vim editor's handling of specific input sequences that trigger memory access violations beyond the allocated buffer boundaries. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the editor's parsing logic, particularly when processing certain escape sequences or special character combinations. Such flaws are particularly dangerous in text editors as they can be exploited through crafted input files or command sequences that an attacker might encounter during normal usage scenarios.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a classic buffer overread condition where the Vim editor attempts to access memory locations that fall outside the legitimate bounds of allocated memory regions. This typically occurs when the editor's internal parsing functions do not properly validate the length or structure of input data before attempting to process it. The flaw can be triggered through various means including malformed configuration files, specially crafted text documents, or even through command-line arguments that contain specific sequences of characters. The out-of-bounds memory access can result in unpredictable behavior ranging from application crashes to potential information disclosure or even code execution depending on the specific memory layout and exploitation conditions.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to users who regularly process untrusted text files or work in environments where text editor security is paramount. The impact extends beyond simple crashes as the out-of-bounds read can potentially expose sensitive memory contents to attackers, creating opportunities for information leakage attacks. Security researchers have classified this issue as particularly concerning due to its potential for remote code execution when combined with other vulnerabilities or when exploited in specific contexts. The vulnerability affects all versions prior to 9.0, making it a critical upgrade priority for organizations that rely on Vim as a core editing tool in their development or administrative workflows.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions in software implementations, and can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter usage. Organizations should prioritize immediate patching to version 9.0 or later to mitigate this risk, as the fix addresses the underlying buffer handling logic and includes enhanced input validation mechanisms. Additionally, administrators should implement monitoring for unusual Vim process behavior or memory access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing of patched environments to ensure that legitimate functionality remains intact while eliminating the security risk associated with the out-of-bounds read condition.