GAIM 0.75 Remote overflows

Security Team Contact Address

Updated January 26, 2004

1. Gentoo Linux Security Advisory

Advisory Reference	GLSA 200401-04 / GAIM
Release Date	January 26, 2004
Latest Revision	January 26, 2004: 01
Impact	normal
Exploitable	man-in-the-middle

Package	Vulnerable versions	Unaffected versions	Architecture(s)
net-im/gaim	< 0.75-r7	>= 0.75-r7	All supported architectures

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.

Code Listing 3.1: Resolution

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

4. References

Security advisory from Stefan Esser