# CVE-2026-8997: vifm: vifm is vulnerable to a heap buffer overflow during the history merge process when saving the state file (vifminfo.json)

CVE-2026-8997 is fixed in vifm on 1 platform by DEBIAN-CVE-2026-8997 (version 0.14.3-3), released May 22, 2026. It is not reported as exploited. Patch Radar priority: Routine.

- Web page: https://patchblox.com/security/cve/CVE-2026-8997
- Priority: Routine
- CVSS: n/a
- EPSS: 0.0014
- CISA KEV: not listed
- Exploited (vendor report): no
- Publicly disclosed: no
- Published: May 22, 2026

## Description

vifm is vulnerable to a heap buffer overflow during the history merge process when saving the state file (vifminfo.json). This flaw occurs because the application lacks a runtime check on the length of history entries in release builds, potentially allowing a crafted long path or command in the history to cause memory corruption or application crashes. Releases from 0.12.1 to 0.14.3 (including) are considered vulnerable. This issue was fixed in commit 23063c7

## Where it's fixed

| Platform | Product | Fixed in | Fix | Released |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Linux | vifm Debian 14 | 0.14.3-3 | [DEBIAN-CVE-2026-8997](https://patchblox.com/security/data/fix/linux/debian-cve-2026-8997.md) | May 22, 2026 |

---

Data as of 2026-11-08T00:53:09Z UTC. Source: Patchblox Patch Radar (https://patchblox.com/security/patch-radar). Patchblox finds out-of-date software on Windows, macOS and Linux and updates it through release rings: https://patchblox.com/demo

Free to use with attribution: show "Data: Patchblox Patch Radar" with a link to https://patchblox.com/security/patch-radar. Terms, including what needs a written agreement: https://patchblox.com/security/patch-radar/use-the-data

Product names, logos and trademarks shown on Patch Radar belong to their respective owners. They are used only to identify the software each security fix applies to and to help readers find their platform. Their use does not imply any affiliation with, or endorsement by, those owners, and Patchblox is not affiliated with any of them.