CVE-2009-0316: Medium severity vim Vim vulnerability

Published Aug 6, 2008
·
Updated

Untrusted search path vulnerability in src/ifpython.c in the Python interface in Vim before 7.2.045 allows local users to execute arbitrary code via a Trojan horse Python file in the current working directory, related to a vulnerability in the PySysSetArgv function (CVE-2008-5983), as demonstrated by an erroneous search path for plugin/bike.vim in bicyclerepair.

Other sources

Untrusted search path vulnerability in the of Vim allows local users to execute arbitrary code via a Trojan horse Python file in the current working directory, related to an erroneous setting of sys.path by the PySysSetArgv function.

References (test case, PoC): http://www.nabble.com/Bug-484305%3A-bicyclerepair%3A-bike.vim-imports-untrusted-python-files-from-cwd-td18848099.html

Proposed patch: The Debian patch for similar dia's Python related issue, available at:

http://bugs.debian.org/cgi-bin/bugreport.cgi?msg=5;filename=pythonpath.diff;att=1;bug=504251

should be sufficient to resolve this issue.

Red Hat

Affected Software

21 affected components
vim Vim<=7.2
vim Vim=1.0
vim Vim=1.22
vim Vim=3.0
vim Vim=4.0
vim Vim=5.0
vim Vim=5.1
vim Vim=5.2
vim Vim=5.3
vim Vim=5.4
vim Vim=5.5
vim Vim=5.6
vim Vim=5.7
vim Vim=5.8
vim Vim=6.0
vim Vim=6.1
vim Vim=6.2
vim Vim=6.3
vim Vim=6.4
vim Vim=7.0
vim Vim=7.1

Remediation

Recommended actions to resolve this vulnerability, in priority order.

  1. Upgrade

    Upgrade SUSE Vim to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 7.2.045

Event History

Aug 6, 2008
CVE Published
via Red Hat·12:00 AM
Data Sourced
via Red Hat·12:00 AM
RemedyDescriptionSeverity
Jan 26, 2009
Data Sourced
via Red Hat·12:45 PM
Affected Software
Jan 28, 2009
CVE Published
via MITRE·11:00 AM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·11:00 AM
Description
Data Sourced
via NVD·11:30 AM
DescriptionSeverityAffected Software

Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is the severity of CVE-2009-0316?

CVE-2009-0316 is classified as a high severity vulnerability due to its potential to allow local users to execute arbitrary code.

2

How do I fix CVE-2009-0316?

To fix CVE-2009-0316, update Vim to version 7.2.045 or later.

3

Who is affected by CVE-2009-0316?

CVE-2009-0316 affects local users of Vim versions prior to 7.2.045 who can place malicious Python files in the current working directory.

4

What exploit mechanism is used in CVE-2009-0316?

CVE-2009-0316 exploits the untrusted search path vulnerability through the PySys_SetArgv function.

5

Can remote users exploit CVE-2009-0316?

No, CVE-2009-0316 can only be exploited by local users who have access to the Vim application on the machine.

Contact

SecAlerts Pty Ltd.
132 Wickham Terrace
Fortitude Valley,
QLD 4006, Australia
info@secalerts.co
By using SecAlerts services, you agree to our services end-user license agreement. This website is safeguarded by reCAPTCHA and governed by the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. All names, logos, and brands of products are owned by their respective owners, and any usage of these names, logos, and brands for identification purposes only does not imply endorsement. If you possess any content that requires removal, please get in touch with us.
© 2026 SecAlerts Pty Ltd.
ABN: 70 645 966 203, ACN: 645 966 203