CVE-2025-26603: Use After Free
First published: Tue Feb 18 2025(Updated: )
Vim is a greatly improved version of the good old UNIX editor Vi. Vim allows to redirect screen messages using the `:redir` ex command to register, variables and files. It also allows to show the contents of registers using the `:registers` or `:display` ex command. When redirecting the output of `:display` to a register, Vim will free the register content before storing the new content in the register. Now when redirecting the `:display` command to a register that is being displayed, Vim will free the content while shortly afterwards trying to access it, which leads to a use-after-free. Vim pre 9.1.1115 checks in the ex_display() function, that it does not try to redirect to a register while displaying this register at the same time. However this check is not complete, and so Vim does not check the `+` and `*` registers (which typically donate the X11/clipboard registers, and when a clipboard connection is not possible will fall back to use register 0 instead. In Patch 9.1.1115 Vim will therefore skip outputting to register zero when trying to redirect to the clipboard registers `*` or `+`. Users are advised to upgrade. There are no known workarounds for this vulnerability.
Credit: security-advisories@github.com
| Affected Software | Affected Version | How to fix |
|---|---|---|
| Vim | <9.1.1115 |
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Reference Links
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the severity of CVE-2025-26603?
CVE-2025-26603 has a medium severity rating due to its potential for unintended information disclosure.
How do I fix CVE-2025-26603?
To fix CVE-2025-26603, upgrade to Vim version 9.1.1116 or later where the vulnerability has been addressed.
What are the potential impacts of CVE-2025-26603?
The potential impacts of CVE-2025-26603 include unauthorized access to sensitive information stored in registers.
Is CVE-2025-26603 exploitable remotely?
CVE-2025-26603 is not considered exploitable remotely, as it requires local access to the Vim editor.
Which versions of Vim are affected by CVE-2025-26603?
CVE-2025-26603 affects Vim versions up to and including 9.1.1115.
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