CVE-2026-51401: An issue in Vim Project v9.2.0389 and earlier allows a local attacker to execute arbitrary code via the vms_fi

Q: How do I fix CVE-2026-51401?

vim: upgrade to newer than 9.2.0389. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Q: Is CVE-2026-51401 being exploited?

CVE-2026-51401 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-2026-51401 affect?

CVE-2026-51401 affects vim. Severity is high (CVSS 7.7). An issue in Vim Project v9.2.0389 and earlier allows a local attacker to execute arbitrary code via the vms_fixfilename() function within file vim/src/os_vms.c

Routine

HIGH 7.7UPGRADE

CVE-2026-51401 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.7) affecting vim. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

An issue in Vim Project v9.2.0389 and earlier allows a local attacker to execute arbitrary code via the vms_fixfilename() function within file vim/src/os_vms.c

Why this priority

High severity

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.7 (High)
Attack vector	Local
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	0.2% (top 90%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-94
Published	2026-08-04
Last modified	2026-10-23

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: vim

Last updated 2026-10-23 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2026-08-04 21:16 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-10-23 21:10 UTCUpdated Record last modified

vim vim UPGRADE

Affected: <= 9.2.0389

Fixed in: newer than 9.2.0389

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 9.2.0389 (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-2026-51401?

vim: upgrade to newer than 9.2.0389. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2026-51401 being exploited?

CVE-2026-51401 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-2026-51401 affect?

CVE-2026-51401 affects vim. Severity is high (CVSS 7.7). An issue in Vim Project v9.2.0389 and earlier allows a local attacker to execute arbitrary code via the vms_fixfilename() function within file vim/src/os_vms.c

How urgent is CVE-2026-51401?

Priority 29/100. High severity

Related CVEs

CVE-2026-34982 HIGH 8.2 UPGRADE Vim is an open source, command line text editor
CVE-2026-51400 HIGH 8.4 UPGRADE An issue in Vim Project v9.2.0389 and earlier allows a local attacker to execute arbitrary code via the vms_fi

References

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