GAIM 0.75 Remote overflows

1.  Gentoo Linux Security Advisory

Version Information

Related bugreports: #39470

Synopsis

Various overflows in the handling of AIM DirectIM packets was revealed in GAIM that could lead to a remote compromise of the IM client.

2.  Impact Information

Background

Gaim is a multi-platform and multi-protocol instant messaging client. It is compatible with AIM , ICQ, MSN Messenger, Yahoo, IRC, Jabber, Gadu-Gadu, and the Zephyr networks.

Description

Yahoo changed the authentication methods to their IM servers, rendering GAIM useless. The GAIM team released a rushed release solving this issue, however, at the same time a code audit revealed 12 new vulnerabilities.

Impact

Due to the nature of instant messaging many of these bugs require man-in-the-middle attacks between the client and the server. But the underlying protocols are easy to implement and attacking ordinary TCP sessions is a fairly simple task. As a result, all users are advised to upgrade their GAIM installation.

• Users of GAIM 0.74 or below are affected by 7 of the vulnerabilities and are encouraged to upgrade.
• Users of GAIM 0.75 are affected by 11 of the vulnerabilities and are encouraged to upgrade to the patched version of GAIM offered by Gentoo.
• Users of GAIM 0.75-r6 are only affected by 4 of the vulnerabilities, but are still urged to upgrade to maintain security.

3.  Resolution Information

Workaround

There is no immediate workaround; a software upgrade is required.

Resolution

All users are recommended to upgrade GAIM to 0.75-r7.

$> emerge sync
$> emerge -pv ">=net-im/gaim-0.75-r7"
$> emerge ">=net-im/gaim-0.75-r7"

4.  References

• Security advisory from Stefan Esser