Vim <9.2.0839: ftplugin Shell Cmd Exec via sh.vim (CVE-2026-73077)
CVE-2026-73077 Published on August 11, 2026

Vim: Arbitrary Code Execution via Shell Keyword Lookup
Vim is an open source, command line text editor. Prior to 9.2.0839, the runtime/ftplugin/sh.vim, runtime/ftplugin/zsh.vim, and runtime/ftplugin/ps1.vim filetype plugins pass attacker-controlled Visual-mode selections from K through keywordprg commands without safely separating shell arguments. fnameescape() and PATH_ESC_CHARS do not neutralize shell metacharacters before ShKeywordPrg, ZshKeywordPrg, or GetHelp invokes bash, zsh, or PowerShell, allowing arbitrary operating-system commands to execute with the privileges of the user running Vim. This issue is fixed in version 9.2.0839.

Vendor Advisory NVD

Vulnerability Analysis

CVE-2026-73077 can be exploited with local system access. This vulnerability is considered to have a low attack complexity. The potential impact of an exploit of this vulnerability is considered to have no impact on confidentiality and integrity and availability.

Attack Vector:
LOCAL
Attack Complexity:
LOW
Privileges Required:
NONE
User Interaction:
ACTIVE

Weakness Type

What is a Shell injection Vulnerability?

The software constructs all or part of an OS command using externally-influenced input from an upstream component, but it does not neutralize or incorrectly neutralizes special elements that could modify the intended OS command when it is sent to a downstream component.

CVE-2026-73077 has been classified to as a Shell injection vulnerability or weakness.


Products Associated with CVE-2026-73077

Want to know whenever a new CVE is published for Vim? stack.watch will email you.

Vim
 

Affected Versions

vim Version < 9.2.0839 is affected by CVE-2026-73077