CVE-2026-73071: Vim is an open source, command line text editor

Routine

LOW 3.3UPGRADE

CVE-2026-73071 is a low-severity flaw (CVSS 3.3) affecting vim. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Vim is an open source, command line text editor. From 9.2.0511 until 9.2.0844, json_decode_item() in src/json.c can retain a stale pointer after json_decode_string() invokes channel_fill() to refill and free the current buffer, causing the error path to read freed memory instead of reader->js_buf + reader->js_used when an invalid JSON string spans buffers. This issue is fixed in version 9.2.0844.

Why this priority

No elevated risk signals yet

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	3.3 (Low)
Attack vector	Local
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	Low
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	0.1% (top 99%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-416
Published	2026-08-11
Last modified	2026-10-06

Publisher (CNA): GitHub, Inc. · Vendor: vim

Last updated 2026-10-06 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2026-08-11 16:17 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-10-06 20:10 UTCUpdated Record last modified

vim vim UPGRADE

Affected: >= 9.2.0511 and < 9.2.0844

Fixed in: 9.2.0844

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 9.2.0511

1. Check installed version

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

2. UPGRADE to 9.2.0844 (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.

3. If no update is available yet, DOWNGRADE to a release before 9.2.0511 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison vim sudo apt install vim=<VERSION_BEFORE_9.2.0511> sudo apt-mark hold vim

3. If no update is available yet, DOWNGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

dnf --showduplicates list vim sudo dnf downgrade vim-<VERSION_BEFORE_9.2.0511> sudo dnf versionlock add vim

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-2026-73071?

vim: upgrade to 9.2.0844. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2026-73071 being exploited?

CVE-2026-73071 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-2026-73071 affect?

CVE-2026-73071 affects vim. Severity is low (CVSS 3.3). Vim is an open source, command line text editor. From 9.2.0511 until 9.2.0844, json_decode_item() in src/json.c can retain a stale pointer after json_decode_string() invokes channel_fill() to refill and free the current buffer, causing the

How urgent is CVE-2026-73071?

Priority 12/100. No elevated risk signals yet.

Software pages

Vim vulnerabilities

Related CVEs

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
CVE-2026-51401 HIGH 7.7 UPGRADE An issue in Vim Project v9.2.0389 and earlier allows a local attacker to execute arbitrary code via the vms_fi
CVE-2026-34982 HIGH 8.2 UPGRADE Vim is an open source, command line text editor
CVE-2026-73072 HIGH 7.3 UPGRADE Vim is an open source, command line text editor
CVE-2026-73074 MEDIUM 6.7 UPGRADE Vim is an open source, command line text editor

References

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