CVE-2025-66476: vim — Fix

Description

Vim is an open source, command line text editor. Prior to version 9.1.1947, an uncontrolled search path vulnerability on Windows allows Vim to execute malicious executables placed in the current working directory for the current edited file. On Windows, when using cmd.exe as a shell, Vim resolves external commands by searching the current working directory before system paths. When Vim invokes tools such as findstr for :grep, external commands or filters via :!, or compiler/:make commands, it may inadvertently run a malicious executable present in the same directory as the file being edited. The issue affects Vim for Windows prior to version 9.1.1947.

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CVSS v3.1 Score

7.8

HIGH

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

Weakness Type (CWE)

CWE-427 CWE-427

Affected Products

Vendor	Product	Versions
vim	vim	< 9.1.1947
microsoft	windows	All

References

Advisories & Patches

https://github.com/vim/vim/commit/083ec6d9a3b7b09006e0ce69ac802597d25 https://github.com/vim/vim/security/advisories/GHSA-g77q-xrww-p834 http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2025/12/02/5

Other References

https://github.com/vim/vim/releases/tag/v9.1.1947

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2025-66476? +

Vim is an open source, command line text editor. Prior to version 9.1.1947, an uncontrolled search path vulnerability on Windows allows Vim to execute malicious executables placed in the current working directory for the current edited file. On Windows, when using cmd.exe as a shell, Vim resolves external commands by searching the current working directory before system paths. When Vim invokes tools such as findstr for :grep, external commands or filters via :!, or compiler/:make commands, it may inadvertently run a malicious executable present in the same directory as the file being edited. The issue affects Vim for Windows prior to version 9.1.1947. It has a CVSS v3.1 base score of 7.8 (HIGH).

How severe is CVE-2025-66476? +

CVE-2025-66476 has a CVSS v3.1 score of 7.8 out of 10, rated HIGH. This is a high-severity vulnerability that should be prioritized for patching.

What products are affected by CVE-2025-66476? +

CVE-2025-66476 affects products from microsoft, vim, specifically: vim, windows. Check the affected products table above for specific version ranges.

How do I check if I'm vulnerable to CVE-2025-66476? +

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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