CVE-2026-25749
Description
A flaw was found in Vim, an open source, command line text editor. This heap buffer overflow vulnerability exists in the tag file resolution logic when processing the 'helpfile' option. A local user could exploit this by providing a specially crafted 'helpfile' option value, leading to a heap buffer overflow. This could result in arbitrary code execution or a denial of service.
Statement
This MODERATE impact vulnerability in Vim's tag file resolution logic allows a local attacker to achieve a out-of-bounds write. By providing a specially crafted helpfile option value a local user can trigger a heap buffer overflow, as consequence lead to memory corruption presenting a data integrity impact or leading the vim process to crash resulting in availability impact. Although being non-trivial and very complex, arbitrary code execution is not discarded as worst case scenario.
Mitigation
Mitigation for this issue is either not available or the currently available options do not meet the Red Hat Product Security criteria comprising ease of use and deployment, applicability to widespread installation base, or stability.
Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS) Score Details
Info alert:Important note
CVSS scores for open source components depend on vendor-specific factors (e.g. version or build chain). Therefore, Red Hat's score and impact rating can be different from NVD and other vendors. Red Hat remains the authoritative CVE Naming Authority (CNA) source for its products and services (see Red Hat classifications).
CVSS v3 Score Breakdown
| Red Hat | NVD | cve.org | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Score | 7.3 | N/A | 6.6 |
| Attack Vector | Local | N/A | Local |
| Attack Complexity | Low | N/A | Low |
| Privileges Required | Low | N/A | Low |
| User Interaction | Required | N/A | Required |
| Scope | Unchanged | N/A | Unchanged |
| Confidentiality | High | N/A | None |
| Integrity Impact | High | N/A | High |
| Availability Impact | High | N/A | High |
Vector
Red Hat: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
cve.org: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:R/S:U/C:N/I:H/A:H
Frequently Asked Questions
Not sure what something means? Check out our Security Glossary.
Want to get errata notifications? Sign up here.
