Gaim: Remote execution of arbitrary code

1. Gentoo Linux Security Advisory

Advisory Reference	GLSA 200508-06 / Gaim
Release Date	August 15, 2005
Latest Revision	August 15, 2005: 01
Impact	high
Exploitable	remote

Package	Vulnerable versions	Unaffected versions	Architecture(s)
net-im/gaim	< 1.5.0	>= 1.5.0	All supported architectures

Related bugreports: #102000

Synopsis

Gaim is vulnerable to a buffer overflow which could lead to the execution of arbitrary code or to a Denial of Service.

2. Impact Information

Background

Gaim is a full featured instant messaging client which handles a variety of instant messaging protocols.

Description

Brandon Perry discovered that Gaim is vulnerable to a heap-based buffer overflow when handling away messages (CAN-2005-2103). Furthermore, Daniel Atallah discovered a vulnerability in the handling of file transfers (CAN-2005-2102).

Impact

A remote attacker could create a specially crafted away message which, when viewed by the target user, could lead to the execution of arbitrary code. Also, an attacker could send a file with a non-UTF8 filename to a user, which would result in a Denial of Service.

3. Resolution Information

Workaround

There is no known workaround at this time.

Resolution

All Gaim users should upgrade to the latest version:

Code Listing 3.1: Resolution

# emerge --sync
# emerge --ask --oneshot --verbose ">=net-im/gaim-1.5.0"

4. References

Updated August 15, 2005

Summary: This is a Gentoo Linux Security Advisory

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