#VU70497 Untrusted search path in Vim - CVE-2009-0316

Vulnerability identifier: #VU70497

Vulnerability risk: Low

CVSSv4.0: 2 [CVSS:4.0/AV:L/AC:L/AT:P/PR:L/UI:A/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N/E:U/U:Clear]

CVE-ID: CVE-2009-0316

CWE-ID: CWE-426

Exploitation vector: Local

Exploit availability: No

Vulnerable software:
Vim
Client/Desktop applications / Software for system administration

Vendor: Vim.org

Description

The vulnerability allows a local user to escalate privileges on the system.

The vulnerability exists due to untrusted search path in src/if_python.c in the Python interface in Vim. A local user can place a malicious python file in a directory and trick the victim to open a file in that directory.

Mitigation
Install updates from vendor's website.

Vulnerable software versions

Vim: 7.2 - 7.2.044

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External links
https://bugs.debian.org/cgi-bin/bugreport.cgi?bug=484305
https://bugs.debian.org/cgi-bin/bugreport.cgi?bug=493937
https://lists.apple.com/archives/security-announce/2010//Mar/msg00001.html
https://support.apple.com/kb/HT4077
https://www.mandriva.com/security/advisories?name=MDVSA-2009:047
https://www.nabble.com/Bug-484305%3A-bicyclerepair%3A-bike.vim-imports-untrusted-python-files-from-cwd-td18848099.html
https://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2009/01/26/2
https://www.securityfocus.com/bid/33447
https://bugzilla.redhat.com/show_bug.cgi?id=481565
https://exchange.xforce.ibmcloud.com/vulnerabilities/48275
https://svn.pardus.org.tr/pardus/2008/applications/editors/vim/files/official/7.2.045

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Q & A

Can this vulnerability be exploited remotely?

No. This vulnerability can be exploited locally. The attacker should have authentication credentials and successfully authenticate on the system.

Is there known malware, which exploits this vulnerability?

No. We are not aware of malware exploiting this vulnerability.