Gaim: New vulnerabilities

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Updated August 27, 2004

1.  Gentoo Linux Security Advisory

Version Information

Advisory Reference GLSA 200408-27 / Gaim
Release Date August 27, 2004
Latest Revision May 22, 2006: 02
Impact normal
Exploitable remote
Package Vulnerable versions Unaffected versions Architecture(s)
net-im/gaim < 0.81-r5 >= 0.81-r5 All supported architectures

Related bugreports: #61457

Synopsis

Gaim contains several security issues that might allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code or commands.

2.  Impact Information

Background

Gaim is a multi-protocol instant messaging client for Linux which supports many instant messaging protocols.

Description

Gaim fails to do proper bounds checking when:

Furthermore Gaim fails to escape filenames when using drag and drop installation of smiley themes.

Impact

These vulnerabilites could allow an attacker to crash Gaim or execute arbitrary code or commands with the permissions of the user running Gaim.

3.  Resolution Information

Workaround

There is no known workaround at this time. All users are encouraged to upgrade to the latest available version of Gaim.

Resolution

All gaim users should upgrade to the latest version:

Code Listing 3.1: Resolution

# emerge sync

# emerge -pv ">=net-im/gaim-0.81-r5"
# emerge ">=net-im/gaim-0.81-r5"

4.  References