CVE-2026-73077
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.
CSIRTS triage
- What
- Arbitrary code can be executed in Vim through shell keyword lookup functionality.
- Who is affected
- Vim users in environments where shell keyword resolution is enabled and attackers can influence input files.
- Urgency
- Unknown severity; immediate assessment needed to determine code execution feasibility.
- Action
- Apply Vim security updates and disable shell keyword lookup if not required.
AI-assisted analysis generated from the source advisory — verify against the original.
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Exploitation outlook
- Low exploitation risk0.14% 30-day exploitation probability — currently an unlikely target, but scores change as exploit code circulates. Riskier than 4% of all EPSS-scored CVEs.
Advisory coverage (2)
- unknownCVE-2026-73077: Vim is an open source, command line text editor. Prior to 9.2.0839, the runtime/ftplugin/sh.vi…nvd · 2026-08-11
- unknownCVE-2026-73077: Vim: Arbitrary Code Execution via Shell Keyword Lookupmsrc · 2026-08-11
External references
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[](https://www.csirts.com/cve/CVE-2026-73077)