CVE-2023-4736 in vim
Summary
by MITRE • 09/02/2023
Untrusted Search Path in GitHub repository vim/vim prior to 9.0.1833.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/23/2026
This vulnerability involves an untrusted search path issue in the vim text editor repository maintained by GitHub. The flaw occurs when vim searches for configuration files, plugins, or other resources in directories that may be controlled by untrusted users or malicious actors. When vim executes commands or loads components from these locations, it can inadvertently execute arbitrary code or load malicious modules. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of environment variables and search paths that are not properly validated or sanitized. This type of issue falls under CWE-427 Uncontrolled Search Path Element and CWE-78 Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in OS Command Execution, both of which are critical concerns in software security. The problem typically manifests when vim is run with elevated privileges or when users are tricked into loading malicious configurations from untrusted sources. Attackers can exploit this by placing malicious files in directories that vim searches by default, potentially leading to privilege escalation or remote code execution. The vulnerability affects versions prior to 9.0.1833 and represents a significant risk in environments where vim is used with elevated permissions or in multi-user systems where untrusted users might have access to the search path. This issue aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 Exploitation for Privilege Escalation and T1546.1001 System Script Execution Permissions, as it allows for unauthorized code execution through legitimate system utilities. The operational impact includes potential data breaches, system compromise, and unauthorized access to sensitive information. Organizations should prioritize updating to vim version 9.0.1833 or later, which includes proper validation of search paths and environment variables. Additional mitigations involve restricting write permissions to vim configuration directories, implementing proper access controls, and monitoring for suspicious file modifications in vim-related directories. Security teams should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies to prevent execution of unauthorized vim configurations and establish secure coding practices for future development. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and secure path handling in text editors and system utilities that process user-provided configurations or scripts.