CVE-2025-53905: vim Path Traversal — Exploit & Fix

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.

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CVSS v3.1 Score

4.1

MEDIUM

CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:H/PR:N/UI:R/S:C/C:N/I:L/A:L

Weakness Type (CWE)

CWE-22 Path Traversal

Affected Products

Vendor	Product	Versions
vim	vim	< 9.1.1552

References

Advisories & Patches

https://github.com/vim/vim/commit/87757c6b0a4b2c1f71c72ea8e1438b8fb116b239 https://github.com/vim/vim/security/advisories/GHSA-74v4-f3x9-ppvr https://github.com/vim/vim/security/advisories/GHSA-74v4-f3x9-ppvr

Exploits

https://github.com/vim/vim/security/advisories/GHSA-74v4-f3x9-ppvr https://github.com/vim/vim/security/advisories/GHSA-74v4-f3x9-ppvr

Other References

http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2025/07/15/1

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. It has a CVSS v3.1 base score of 4.1 (MEDIUM).

How severe is CVE-2025-53905? +

CVE-2025-53905 has a CVSS v3.1 score of 4.1 out of 10, rated MEDIUM. This is a medium-severity vulnerability that should be remediated as part of regular maintenance.

What products are affected by CVE-2025-53905? +

CVE-2025-53905 affects products from vim, specifically: vim. Check the affected products table above for specific version ranges.

How do I check if I'm vulnerable to CVE-2025-53905? +

You can use Secably's free Website Scanner to check your website for known vulnerabilities. For infrastructure scanning, use the Port Scanner to identify exposed services that may be affected. Check the vendor advisories linked above for specific patch and version information.

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