CVE-2024-43374: vim Use-After-Free — Fix

Description

The UNIX editor Vim prior to version 9.1.0678 has a use-after-free error in argument list handling. When adding a new file to the argument list, this triggers `Buf*` autocommands. If in such an autocommand the buffer that was just opened is closed (including the window where it is shown), this causes the window structure to be freed which contains a reference to the argument list that we are actually modifying. Once the autocommands are completed, the references to the window and argument list are no longer valid and as such cause an use-after-free. Impact is low since the user must either intentionally add some unusual autocommands that wipe a buffer during creation (either manually or by sourcing a malicious plugin), but it will crash Vim. The issue has been fixed as of Vim patch v9.1.0678.

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CVSS v3.1 Score

4.5

MEDIUM

CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:H/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:L/I:L/A:L

Weakness Type (CWE)

CWE-416 Use After Free

Affected Products

Vendor	Product	Versions
netapp	bootstrap_os	All
netapp	hci_compute_node	All
vim	vim	< 9.1.0678

References

Advisories & Patches

https://github.com/vim/vim/commit/0a6e57b09bc8c76691b367a5babfb79b31b770e8 https://github.com/vim/vim/security/advisories/GHSA-2w8m-443v-cgvw

Other References

http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2024/08/15/6 https://security.netapp.com/advisory/ntap-20240920-0004/

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2024-43374? +

The UNIX editor Vim prior to version 9.1.0678 has a use-after-free error in argument list handling. When adding a new file to the argument list, this triggers `Buf*` autocommands. If in such an autocommand the buffer that was just opened is closed (including the window where it is shown), this causes the window structure to be freed which contains a reference to the argument list that we are actually modifying. Once the autocommands are completed, the references to the window and argument list are no longer valid and as such cause an use-after-free. Impact is low since the user must either intentionally add some unusual autocommands that wipe a buffer during creation (either manually or by sourcing a malicious plugin), but it will crash Vim. The issue has been fixed as of Vim patch v9.1.0678. It has a CVSS v3.1 base score of 4.5 (MEDIUM).

How severe is CVE-2024-43374? +

CVE-2024-43374 has a CVSS v3.1 score of 4.5 out of 10, rated MEDIUM. This is a medium-severity vulnerability that should be remediated as part of regular maintenance.

What products are affected by CVE-2024-43374? +

CVE-2024-43374 affects products from netapp, vim, specifically: bootstrap_os, hci_compute_node, vim. Check the affected products table above for specific version ranges.

How do I check if I'm vulnerable to CVE-2024-43374? +

You can use Secably's free Website Scanner to check your website for known vulnerabilities. For infrastructure scanning, use the Port Scanner to identify exposed services that may be affected. Check the vendor advisories linked above for specific patch and version information.

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