PatchTheCVECVE-2022-3256: Use After Free in GitHub repository vim/vim prior to 9.0.0530.
48
This month
HIGH 7.8WATCHLISTUPGRADEUPGRADEMITIGATE
CVE-2022-3256 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.8) affecting neovim, vim, fedora. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.
Use After Free in GitHub repository vim/vim prior to 9.0.0530.
Why this priority
- High severity
- Public exploit reference
- On your watchlist
A fixed release or distro patch exists.
Risk facts
| CVSS score | 7.8 (High) |
| Attack vector | Local |
| Attack complexity | Low |
| Privileges needed | None |
| User interaction | Required |
| EPSS exploit chance | 0.5% (top 58%) |
| CISA exploited list | No |
| Weakness | CWE-416 |
| Published | 2022-09-22 |
| Last modified | 2026-09-24 |
Last updated 2026-09-24 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score
Am I affected?
Timeline
- Published CVE record published
- Updated Record last modified
neovim neovim UPGRADE
Affected: >= 0.1.0 and < 0.8.0
Fixed in: 0.8.0
Safe to downgrade to: a release before 0.1.0
1. Check installed version
apt-cache policy neovim || rpm -q neovim || neovim --version
2. UPGRADE to 0.8.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)
sudo apt update && sudo apt install --only-upgrade neovim
2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)
sudo dnf upgrade neovim
Note
Distros often backport fixes without changing the version number. Confirm with the distro advisory or changelog.
3. If no update is available yet, DOWNGRADE to a release before 0.1.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)
apt-cache madison neovim
sudo apt install neovim=<VERSION_BEFORE_0.1.0>
sudo apt-mark hold neovim
3. If no update is available yet, DOWNGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)
dnf --showduplicates list neovim
sudo dnf downgrade neovim-<VERSION_BEFORE_0.1.0>
sudo dnf versionlock add neovim
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.
vim vim UPGRADE
Affected: < 9.0.0530
Fixed in: 9.0.0530
Safe to downgrade to: no unaffected older release
1. Check installed version
apt-cache policy vim || rpm -q vim || vim --version
2. UPGRADE to 9.0.0530 (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.
fedoraproject fedora MITIGATE
Affected: 35 · 36 · 37
Fixed in: no fixed release known
Safe to downgrade to: a release before 35
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.
debian debian linux MITIGATE
Affected: 10.0
Fixed in: no fixed release known
Safe to downgrade to: a release before 10.0
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.
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.
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-2022-3256?
neovim: upgrade to 0.8.0; vim: upgrade to 9.0.0530; fedora: mitigate or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.
Is CVE-2022-3256 being exploited?
CVE-2022-3256 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-2022-3256 affect?
CVE-2022-3256 affects neovim, vim, fedora. Severity is high (CVSS 7.8). Use After Free in GitHub repository vim/vim prior to 9.0.0530.
How urgent is CVE-2022-3256?
Priority 48/100. High severity; Public exploit reference; On your watchlist
Software pages
GitHub vulnerabilities · Debian vulnerabilities · Vim vulnerabilities
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