CVE-2007-2953: Format string vulnerability in the helptags_one function in src/ex_cmds.c in Vim 6.4 and earlier, and 7.x up t

Q: How do I fix CVE-2007-2953?

vim: upgrade to newer than 6.4. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Q: Is CVE-2007-2953 being exploited?

CVE-2007-2953 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

Q: What does CVE-2007-2953 affect?

CVE-2007-2953 affects vim. Severity is medium (CVSS 6.8). Format string vulnerability in the helptags_one function in src/ex_cmds.c in Vim 6.4 and earlier, and 7.x up to 7.1, allows user-assisted remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via format string specifiers in a help-tags tag in a help f

Q: How urgent is CVE-2007-2953?

Priority 47/100. EPSS top 9%: very likely to be exploited

This month

MEDIUM 6.8UPGRADE

CVE-2007-2953 is a medium-severity flaw (CVSS 6.8) affecting vim. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Format string vulnerability in the helptags_one function in src/ex_cmds.c in Vim 6.4 and earlier, and 7.x up to 7.1, allows user-assisted remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via format string specifiers in a help-tags tag in a help file, related to the helptags command.

Why this priority

EPSS top 9%: very likely to be exploited

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	6.8 (Medium)
EPSS exploit chance	4.2% (top 9%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2007-07-31
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): Flexera Software LLC · Vendor: vim development group

Last updated 2026-06-16 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2007-07-31 10:17 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 22:40 UTCUpdated Record last modified

vim development group vim UPGRADE

Affected: <= 6.4 · 7.0 · 7.1 · 7.1.38

Fixed in: newer than 6.4

Safe to downgrade to: no unaffected older release

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy vim || rpm -q vim || vim --version

2. UPGRADE to newer than 6.4 (Debian / Ubuntu)

sudo apt update && sudo apt install --only-upgrade vim

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade vim

Note

Distros often backport fixes without changing the version number. Confirm with the distro advisory or changelog.

Verify at the official source NVD · CVE Program · Report a problem with this page
Scores and fixes here are computed automatically from those and other public sources. Confirm with the vendor advisory before changing production systems.

Quick answers

How do I fix CVE-2007-2953?

vim: upgrade to newer than 6.4. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2007-2953 being exploited?

CVE-2007-2953 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

What does CVE-2007-2953 affect?

CVE-2007-2953 affects vim. Severity is medium (CVSS 6.8). Format string vulnerability in the helptags_one function in src/ex_cmds.c in Vim 6.4 and earlier, and 7.x up to 7.1, allows user-assisted remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via format string specifiers in a help-tags tag in a help f

How urgent is CVE-2007-2953?

Priority 47/100. EPSS top 9%: very likely to be exploited

Software pages

Vim vulnerabilities

Related CVEs

CVE-2022-3235 HIGH 7.8 UPGRADE MITIGATE Use After Free in GitHub repository vim/vim prior to 9.0.0490.
CVE-2022-3234 HIGH 7.8 UPGRADE MITIGATE Heap-based Buffer Overflow in GitHub repository vim/vim prior to 9.0.0483.
CVE-2022-3153 MEDIUM 5.5 UPGRADE NULL Pointer Dereference in GitHub repository vim/vim prior to 9.0.0404.
CVE-2022-3134 HIGH 7.8 UPGRADE UPGRADE Use After Free in GitHub repository vim/vim prior to 9.0.0389.
CVE-2022-3099 HIGH 7.8 UPGRADE MITIGATE Use After Free in GitHub repository vim/vim prior to 9.0.0360.

References

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