CVE-2008-3074: The shellescape function in Vim 7.0 through 7.2, including 7.2a.10, allows user-assisted attackers to execute arbitrary code via the "!" (exclamation ...

Description

The shellescape function in Vim 7.0 through 7.2, including 7.2a.10, allows user-assisted attackers to execute arbitrary code via the "!" (exclamation point) shell metacharacter in (1) the filename of a tar archive and possibly (2) the filename of the first file in a tar archive, which is not properly handled by the VIM TAR plugin (tar.vim) v.10 through v.22, as demonstrated by the shellescape, tarplugin.v2, tarplugin, and tarplugin.updated test cases. NOTE: this issue reportedly exists because of an incomplete fix for CVE-2008-2712. NOTE: this issue has the same root cause as CVE-2008-3075. NOTE: due to the complexity of the associated disclosures and the incomplete information related to them, there may be inaccuracies in this CVE description and in external mappings to this identifier.

Metrics

EPSS Probability

3.84%

88.8th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Weakness Enumeration

CWE-78

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Vim	Tar.Vim	v.10
Vim	Tar.Vim	v.11
Vim	Tar.Vim	v.12
Vim	Tar.Vim	v.13
Vim	Tar.Vim	v.14
Vim	Tar.Vim	v.15
Vim	Tar.Vim	v.16
Vim	Tar.Vim	v.17
Vim	Tar.Vim	v.18
Vim	Tar.Vim	v.19
Vim	Tar.Vim	v.20
Vim	Tar.Vim	v.21
Vim	Tar.Vim	v.22
Vim	Vim	7.0
Vim	Vim	7.1
Vim	Vim	7.1.266
Vim	Vim	7.1.314
Vim	Vim	7.2

References

Timeline

Published: Feb 21, 2009
Last Modified: Jun 16, 2026
Status: Modified

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2008-3074?

The shellescape function in Vim 7.0 through 7.2, including 7.2a.10, allows user-assisted attackers to execute arbitrary code via the "!" (exclamation point) shell metacharacter in (1) the filename of a tar archive and possibly (2) the filename of the first file in a tar archive, which is not properly handled by the VIM TAR plugin (tar.vim) v.10 through v.22, as demonstrated by the shellescape, tarplugin.v2, tarplugin, and tarplugin.updated test cases. NOTE: this issue reportedly exists because of an incomplete fix for CVE-2008-2712. NOTE: this issue has the same root cause as CVE-2008-3075. NOTE: due to the complexity of the associated disclosures and the incomplete information related to them, there may be inaccuracies in this CVE description and in external mappings to this identifier.

How severe is CVE-2008-3074?

Severity scoring for CVE-2008-3074 is pending analysis. The EPSS model estimates a 3.84% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2008-3074?

Check the vendor references and advisories linked above for patched versions and mitigation guidance. You can also run a Strix scan to test if your systems are affected.