CVE-2023-0051 Heap-based Buffer Overflow in vim/vim

High 7.3 Published 4 Jan 2023 Updated 9 Apr 2025

A heap-based buffer overflow in Vim allows attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service via crafted input.

Exploited in the wild: Not known
Login needed: Any signed-in user
Attackable: Local or same network only
Victim action needed: A user has to click or open something
Fix: Available

What is CVE-2023-0051?

CVE-2023-0051 is a high-severity memory corruption vulnerability in Vim Vim, published on 4 Jan 2023. It can only be exploited from the same machine or local network, and only if a user opens a file or follows a link.

Official description

Heap-based Buffer Overflow in GitHub repository vim/vim prior to 9.0.1144.

Weakness: CWE-122

Which versions are affected by CVE-2023-0051?

It affects 1 product.

Products include Vim Vim.

How do I fix CVE-2023-0051?

Upgrade to a fixed version.

Upgrade to the fixed version. Memory-safe languages, compiler hardening and fuzzing prevent most new cases. More about Memory corruption.

Is CVE-2023-0051 being exploited?

It is not confirmed as exploited in the wild, but public exploit code for CVE-2023-0051 exists.

All Vim Vim vulnerabilities

Sources

Also known as ALPINE-CVE-2023-0051, AZL-12939, BELL-CVE-2023-0051, DEBIAN-CVE-2023-0051, GHSA-7g4w-jr36-jfhg, UBUNTU-CVE-2023-0051.