CVE-2008-3076

CVE-2008-3076 is a critical-severity vulnerability in Vim with a CVSS 2.0 base score of 9.3. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-78.

Key facts

• Severity: Critical (CVSS 2.0 base score 9.3)
• EPSS exploit prediction: 9% (95th percentile)
• Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
• Weakness: CWE-78
• Affected product: Vim
• Published: 2009-02-21
• Last modified: 2026-06-16

Description

The Netrw plugin 125 in netrw.vim in Vim 7.2a.10 allows user-assisted attackers to execute arbitrary code via shell metacharacters in filenames used by the execute and system functions within the (1) mz and (2) mc commands, as demonstrated by the netrw.v2 and netrw.v3 test cases. NOTE: this issue reportedly exists because of an incomplete fix for CVE-2008-2712.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2008-3076?

The Netrw plugin 125 in netrw.vim in Vim 7.2a.10 allows user-assisted attackers to execute arbitrary code via shell metacharacters in filenames used by the execute and system functions within the (1) mz and (2) mc commands, as demonstrated by the netrw.v2 and netrw.v3 test cases. NOTE: this issue reportedly exists because of an incomplete fix for CVE-2008-2712.

How severe is CVE-2008-3076?

CVE-2008-3076 has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 9.3, rated critical severity.

Is CVE-2008-3076 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 9% (95th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2008-3076?

CVE-2008-3076 affects Vim. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.

How do I fix CVE-2008-3076?

Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its critical severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.

When was CVE-2008-3076 published?

CVE-2008-3076 was published on 2009-02-21 and last updated on 2026-06-16.

References

• http://bugs.debian.org/cgi-bin/bugreport.cgi?bug=506919
• http://lists.opensuse.org/opensuse-security-announce/2009-03/msg00004.html
• http://marc.info/?l=bugtraq&m=121494431426308&w=2
• http://marc.info/?l=oss-security&m=122416184431388&w=2
• http://secunia.com/advisories/34418
• http://wiki.rpath.com/wiki/Advisories:rPSA-2008-0324
• http://www.mandriva.com/security/advisories?name=MDVSA-2008:236
• http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2008/07/07/1
• http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2008/07/07/4
• http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2008/07/08/12
• http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2008/10/20/2
• http://www.rdancer.org/vulnerablevim-netrw.html
• http://www.rdancer.org/vulnerablevim-netrw.v2.html
• http://www.redhat.com/support/errata/RHSA-2008-0580.html
• http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/30115
• https://exchange.xforce.ibmcloud.com/vulnerabilities/43624

Affected products (1)

• cpe:2.3:a:vim:vim:7.2a.10:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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