How severe is CVE-2008-6235?

CVE-2008-6235 has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 9.3, rated critical severity.

Is CVE-2008-6235 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 3% (86th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2008-6235?

CVE-2008-6235 primarily affects Vim. In total, 2 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.

How do I fix CVE-2008-6235?

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-2008-6235 published?

CVE-2008-6235 was published on 2009-02-21 and last updated on 2026-06-16.

CVE-2008-6235

CVE-2008-6235 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: 3% (86th 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 (netrw.vim) in Vim 7.0 and 7.1 allows user-assisted attackers to execute arbitrary commands via shell metacharacters in a filename used by the (1) "D" (delete) command or (2) b:netrw_curdir variable, as demonstrated using the netrw.v4 and netrw.v5 test cases.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2008-6235?: The Netrw plugin (netrw.vim) in Vim 7.0 and 7.1 allows user-assisted attackers to execute arbitrary commands via shell metacharacters in a filename used by the (1) "D" (delete) command or (2) b:netrw_curdir variable, as demonstrated using the netrw.v4 and netrw.v5 test cases.
How severe is CVE-2008-6235?: CVE-2008-6235 has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 9.3, rated critical severity.
Is CVE-2008-6235 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 3% (86th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2008-6235?: CVE-2008-6235 primarily affects Vim. In total, 2 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2008-6235?: 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-2008-6235 published?: CVE-2008-6235 was published on 2009-02-21 and last updated on 2026-06-16.

References

Affected products (2)

cpe:2.3:a:vim:vim:7.0:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:vim:vim:7.1:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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