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CVE-2019-20807: In Vim before 8.1.0881, users can circumvent the rvim restricted mode and execute arbitrary OS commands via sc

34
Routine
MEDIUM 5.3WATCHLISTUPGRADEMITIGATEMITIGATE

CVE-2019-20807 is a medium-severity flaw (CVSS 5.3) affecting vim, debian linux, leap. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

In Vim before 8.1.0881, users can circumvent the rvim restricted mode and execute arbitrary OS commands via scripting interfaces (e.g., Python, Ruby, or Lua).

Why this priority

  • On your watchlist

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score5.3 (Medium)
Attack vectorLocal
Attack complexityLow
Privileges neededLow
User interactionNone
EPSS exploit chance0.5% (top 58%)
CISA exploited listNo
WeaknessCWE-78
Published2020-05-28
Last modified2026-06-17
Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: apple · canonical · debian · opensuse · starwindsoftware · vim

Share: LinkedIn · X · Reddit

Last updated 2026-06-17 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

vim vim UPGRADE
Affected: < 8.1.0881
Fixed in: 8.1.0881
Safe to downgrade to: no unaffected older release
1. Check installed version
apt-cache policy vim || rpm -q vim || vim --version
2. UPGRADE to 8.1.0881 (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.
debian debian linux MITIGATE
Affected: 9.0
Fixed in: no fixed release known
Safe to downgrade to: a release before 9.0
Check your OS release
cat /etc/os-release; uname -r
Debian / Ubuntu
sudo apt update && sudo apt full-upgrade
RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora
sudo dnf upgrade --refresh
Windows
Install the latest cumulative update from Windows Update
If no patch exists yet
OS downgrades are not safe. Apply the vendor mitigation from the advisory and restrict exposure.
opensuse leap MITIGATE
Affected: 15.1
Fixed in: no fixed release known
Safe to downgrade to: a release before 15.1
Check your OS release
cat /etc/os-release; uname -r
Debian / Ubuntu
sudo apt update && sudo apt full-upgrade
RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora
sudo dnf upgrade --refresh
Windows
Install the latest cumulative update from Windows Update
If no patch exists yet
OS downgrades are not safe. Apply the vendor mitigation from the advisory and restrict exposure.
canonical ubuntu linux MITIGATE
Affected: 16.04 · 18.04
Fixed in: no fixed release known
Safe to downgrade to: a release before 16.04
Check your OS release
cat /etc/os-release; uname -r
Debian / Ubuntu
sudo apt update && sudo apt full-upgrade
RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora
sudo dnf upgrade --refresh
Windows
Install the latest cumulative update from Windows Update
If no patch exists yet
OS downgrades are not safe. Apply the vendor mitigation from the advisory and restrict exposure.
apple mac os x MITIGATE
Affected: 10.13.6 · 10.14.6
Fixed in: no fixed release known
Safe to downgrade to: a release before 10.13.6
Check your OS release
cat /etc/os-release; uname -r
Debian / Ubuntu
sudo apt update && sudo apt full-upgrade
RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora
sudo dnf upgrade --refresh
Windows
Install the latest cumulative update from Windows Update
If no patch exists yet
OS downgrades are not safe. Apply the vendor mitigation from the advisory and restrict exposure.
starwindsoftware command center DOWNGRADE
Affected: 2 build_6003
Fixed in: no fixed release known
Safe to downgrade to: a release before 2
1. Check installed version
apt-cache policy command-center || rpm -q command-center || command-center --version
2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 2 (Debian / Ubuntu)
apt-cache madison command-center sudo apt install command-center=<VERSION_BEFORE_2> sudo apt-mark hold command-center
2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)
dnf --showduplicates list command-center sudo dnf downgrade command-center-<VERSION_BEFORE_2> sudo dnf versionlock add command-center
Downgrade risk
Downgrading can break dependent software and may reopen older bugs. Read the distro advisory first and test on a non-production host.
After downgrade
Restart the service, and keep the package held until a fixed release ships.
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-2019-20807?

vim: upgrade to 8.1.0881; debian linux: mitigate or apply the listed mitigation; leap: mitigate or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2019-20807 being exploited?

CVE-2019-20807 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-2019-20807 affect?

CVE-2019-20807 affects vim, debian linux, leap. Severity is medium (CVSS 5.3). In Vim before 8.1.0881, users can circumvent the rvim restricted mode and execute arbitrary OS commands via scripting interfaces (e.g., Python, Ruby, or Lua).

How urgent is CVE-2019-20807?

Priority 34/100. On your watchlist

Software pages

Python vulnerabilities · Ubuntu vulnerabilities · Debian vulnerabilities · Vim vulnerabilities · Ruby vulnerabilities

Related CVEs

References

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