CVE-2026-73071: Vim: Use-after-free in JSON Decoding

Published Aug 11, 2026
·
Updated

Vim is an open source, command line text editor. From 9.2.0511 until 9.2.0844, jsondecodeitem() in src/json.c can retain a stale pointer after jsondecodestring() invokes channelfill() to refill and free the current buffer, causing the error path to read freed memory instead of reader->jsbuf + reader->jsused when an invalid JSON string spans buffers. This issue is fixed in version 9.2.0844.

Affected Software

2 affected componentsFixes available
vim Vim>9.2.0511<=9.2.0844
Microsoft azl3 vim 9.2.0782-1<9.2.0957-1
9.2.0957-1

Remediation

Recommended actions to resolve this vulnerability, in priority order.

  1. Upgrade

    Upgrade to a fixed release to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 9.2.0957-1
  2. Upgrade

    Upgrade Vim to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 9.2.0844

Event History

Aug 11, 2026
CVE Published
via MITRE·03:29 PM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·03:29 PM
DescriptionSeverityWeakness
Data Sourced
via NVD·04:17 PM
DescriptionSeverityWeakness
Aug 23, 2026
Data Sourced
via Microsoft·09:57 PM
DescriptionSeverityWeakness
Data Sourced
via Microsoft·09:57 PM
Affected Software
Updated
via Microsoft·09:57 PM
DescriptionSeverity

Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is the severity of CVE-2026-73071?

The severity of CVE-2026-73071 is classified as low with a score of 3.3.

2

What type of vulnerability is CVE-2026-73071?

CVE-2026-73071 is a use-after-free vulnerability occurring in the JSON decoding functionality of Vim.

3

Which versions of Vim are affected by CVE-2026-73071?

CVE-2026-73071 affects Vim versions from 9.2.0511 until 9.2.0844.

4

How do I fix CVE-2026-73071?

To fix CVE-2026-73071, users should update their Vim to version 9.2.0845 or later.

5

What is the impact of CVE-2026-73071?

The impact of CVE-2026-73071 includes potential reading of freed memory, which can lead to application crashes or unexpected behavior.

Contact

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