CVE-2025-53905
CVE-2025-53905 is a medium-severity vulnerability in Vim with a CVSS 3.x base score of 4.1. 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-22.
Key facts
- Severity: Medium (CVSS 3.x base score 4.1)
- EPSS exploit prediction: 0% (15th percentile)
- Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
- EU (EUVD) id: EUVD-2025-21555
- Weakness: CWE-22
- Affected product: Vim
- Published:
- Last modified:
Description
Vim is an open source, command line text editor. Prior to version 9.1.1552, a path traversal issue in Vim’s tar.vim plugin can allow overwriting of arbitrary files when opening specially crafted tar archives. Impact is low because this exploit requires direct user interaction. However, successfully exploitation can lead to overwriting sensitive files or placing executable code in privileged locations, depending on the permissions of the process editing the archive. The victim must edit such a file using Vim which will reveal the filename and the file content, a careful user may suspect some strange things going on. Successful exploitation could results in the ability to execute arbitrary commands on the underlying operating system. Version 9.1.1552 contains a patch for the vulnerability.
Frequently asked questions
- What is CVE-2025-53905?
- Vim is an open source, command line text editor. Prior to version 9.1.1552, a path traversal issue in Vim’s tar.vim plugin can allow overwriting of arbitrary files when opening specially crafted tar archives. Impact is low because this exploit requires direct user interaction. However, successfully exploitation can lead to overwriting sensitive files or placing executable code in privileged locations, depending on the permissions of the process editing the archive. The victim must edit such a file using Vim which will reveal the filename and the file content, a careful user may suspect some strange things going on. Successful exploitation could results in the ability to execute arbitrary commands on the underlying operating system. Version 9.1.1552 contains a patch for the vulnerability.
- How severe is CVE-2025-53905?
- CVE-2025-53905 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 4.1, rated medium severity. It is exploitable over local access with high attack complexity, requires no privileges and user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is none, integrity low, and availability low.
- Is CVE-2025-53905 being actively exploited?
- It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (15th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- What products are affected by CVE-2025-53905?
- CVE-2025-53905 affects Vim. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
- How do I fix CVE-2025-53905?
- Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround.
- Does CVE-2025-53905 have an EU (EUVD) identifier?
- Yes. CVE-2025-53905 is tracked in the ENISA EU Vulnerability Database (EUVD) as EUVD-2025-21555.
- When was CVE-2025-53905 published?
- CVE-2025-53905 was published on 2025-07-15 and last updated on 2026-06-17.
References
- https://github.com/vim/vim/commit/87757c6b0a4b2c1f71c72ea8e1438b8fb116b239
- https://github.com/vim/vim/security/advisories/GHSA-74v4-f3x9-ppvr
- http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2025/07/15/1
Affected products (1)
- cpe:2.3:a:vim:vim:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
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