CVE-2023-48237 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

This CVE involves an overflow vulnerability in

shift_line

in Vim text editor. When shifting lines in operator pending mode with a very large value, it may lead to an integer overflow issue. The impact is considered low, requiring user interaction with the potential for a crash. The problem has been addressed in the Vim version 9.0.2112 by including commit

6bf131888

, and it is recommended for users to upgrade to this version to mitigate the risk.

Understanding CVE-2023-48237

Vim is an open-source command line text editor widely used by developers and system administrators. The vulnerability identified in this CVE could allow an attacker to trigger an integer overflow by manipulating line shifts with large values.

What is CVE-2023-48237?

CVE-2023-48237 is an integer overflow vulnerability in the

shift_line

function of the Vim text editor that could potentially be exploited by an attacker to cause a crash or execute arbitrary code on the target system.

The Impact of CVE-2023-48237

The impact of this vulnerability is rated as low due to the specific conditions required for exploitation. It necessitates user interaction and might not result in a crash in all scenarios. Nevertheless, the risk of triggering unexpected behavior or crashes remains a concern.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-48237

The vulnerability arises from a miscalculation when shifting lines in operator pending mode with an excessively large value, leading to an integer overflow condition.

Vulnerability Description

The flaw allows an attacker to trigger an overflow in the size of an integer by manipulating line shifts, potentially resulting in unexpected behavior or a crash.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability affects Vim versions earlier than 9.0.2112, specifically versions prior to

< 9.0.2112

.

Exploitation Mechanism

Exploiting this vulnerability requires an attacker to manipulate line shifts with extremely large values, exploiting the integer overflow to potentially cause a crash or trigger unintended behavior.

Mitigation and Prevention

Given the nature of this vulnerability, it is crucial to take immediate action to protect systems from potential exploitation.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are strongly advised to update their Vim installations to version 9.0.2112 or later, which contains the necessary fix for this vulnerability.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly updating software and promptly applying security patches are essential practices to mitigate the risk of known vulnerabilities like CVE-2023-48237.

Patching and Updates

The fix for this vulnerability is included in Vim version 9.0.2112, and users are urged to upgrade to this version or the latest release available to safeguard their systems against exploitation.