CVE-2025-53905: Vim has path traversial issue with tar.vim and special crafted tar files

Published Jul 15, 2025
·
Updated

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.

Affected Software

6 affected componentsFixes available
vim Vim<9.1.1552
vim Vim<9.1.1552
debian/vim*
debian/vim<2:9.1.1230-2+deb13u1
2:9.1.1230-2+deb13u1
debian/vim<2:9.1.1829-1
2:9.1.1829-1
debian/vim<=2:9.0.1378-2+deb12u2, <=2:9.1.1230-2
2:9.1.1230-2+deb13u12:9.2.0858-1

Remediation

Recommended actions to resolve this vulnerability, in priority order.

  1. Upgrade

    Upgrade debian/vim to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 2:9.1.1230-2+deb13u1
  2. Upgrade

    Upgrade debian/vim to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 2:9.1.1829-1
  3. Upgrade

    Upgrade debian/vim to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 2:9.1.1230-2+deb13u1Fixed in 2:9.2.0858-1
  4. Upgrade

    Upgrade Vim to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 9.1.1552

Event History

Jul 15, 2025
CVE Published
via MITRE·08:48 PM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·08:48 PM
DescriptionSeverityWeakness
Data Sourced
via Red Hat·09:01 PM
DescriptionSeverityAffected Software
Data Sourced
via NVD·09:15 PM
RemedyDescriptionSeverityWeaknessAffected Software
Data Sourced
via OSV·09:15 PM
DescriptionSeverityAffected Software

Parent advisories

This vulnerability appears in the following advisories.

Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is the severity of CVE-2025-53905?

The severity of CVE-2025-53905 is considered low due to the requirement of direct user interaction for exploitation.

2

How do I fix CVE-2025-53905?

To fix CVE-2025-53905, upgrade to Vim version 9.1.1552 or later.

3

What does CVE-2025-53905 involve?

CVE-2025-53905 involves a path traversal issue in Vim’s tar.vim plugin that allows overwriting of arbitrary files from specially crafted tar archives.

4

Which versions of Vim are affected by CVE-2025-53905?

Vim versions prior to 9.1.1552 are affected by CVE-2025-53905.

5

What is the impact of CVE-2025-53905?

The impact of CVE-2025-53905 is low, as it requires direct user interaction to exploit.

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