CVE-2026-73072: Vim is an open source, command line text editor

Q: How do I fix CVE-2026-73072?

vim: upgrade to 9.2.0846. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Q: Is CVE-2026-73072 being exploited?

CVE-2026-73072 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-2026-73072 affect?

CVE-2026-73072 affects vim. Severity is high (CVSS 7.3). Vim is an open source, command line text editor. Prior to 9.2.0846, set_sofo() in src/spellfile.c reuses sl_sal_first[] without resetting values left by set_sal_first(), so a crafted spell file containing an SN_SAL section before an SN_SOFO

Routine

HIGH 7.3UPGRADE

CVE-2026-73072 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.3) 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. Prior to 9.2.0846, set_sofo() in src/spellfile.c reuses sl_sal_first[] without resetting values left by set_sal_first(), so a crafted spell file containing an SN_SAL section before an SN_SOFO section causes under-counted mapping lists and attacker-influenced writes beyond a heap allocation. This issue is fixed in version 9.2.0846.

Why this priority

High severity

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.3 (High)
Attack vector	Local
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	Low
User interaction	Required
EPSS exploit chance	0.1% (top 98%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-122, CWE-787
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 20:09 UTCUpdated Record last modified

vim vim UPGRADE

Affected: < 9.2.0846

Fixed in: 9.2.0846

Safe to downgrade to: no unaffected older release

1. Check installed version

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

2. UPGRADE to 9.2.0846 (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-2026-73072?

vim: upgrade to 9.2.0846. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2026-73072 being exploited?

CVE-2026-73072 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-2026-73072 affect?

CVE-2026-73072 affects vim. Severity is high (CVSS 7.3). Vim is an open source, command line text editor. Prior to 9.2.0846, set_sofo() in src/spellfile.c reuses sl_sal_first[] without resetting values left by set_sal_first(), so a crafted spell file containing an SN_SAL section before an SN_SOFO

How urgent is CVE-2026-73072?

Priority 26/100. High severity

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-2026-73071 LOW 3.3 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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