Vulnerability Note VU#444158

Gaim contains a buffer overflow vulnerability in the http_canread() function

Overview

There is a buffer overflow vulnerability in the Gaim http_canread() function, which could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to execute arbitrary code.

I. Description

Gaim is a multi-protocol instant messenger available for a number of operating systems. It provides a feature that allows users to configure an HTTP proxy for connecting to the server. There is a buffer overflow vulnerability in the http_canread() function. When parsing data returned by the HTTP proxy server, the http_canread() function fails to perform proper adequate bounds checking on this data. Exploitation of this vulnerability could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to execute arbitrary code.

II. Impact

An unauthenticated, remote attacker could execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the vulnerable process.

III. Solution

Upgrade

Upgrade to Gaim version 0.76 or later.

Systems Affected

Vendor	Status	Date Notified	Date Updated
Gaim	Vulnerable	6-May-2004

References

http://security.e-matters.de/advisories/012004.html
http://www.debian.org/security/2004/dsa-434
http://distro.conectiva.com.br/atualizacoes/?id=a&anuncio=000813
http://www.secunia.com/advisories/10705/

Credit

This vulnerability was publicly reported by Stefan Esser of e-matters.

This document was written by Damon Morda.

Other Information

Date Public:	2004-01-26
Date First Published:	2004-05-06
Date Last Updated:	2004-05-06
CERT Advisory:
CVE-ID(s):	CAN-2004-0006
NVD-ID(s):	CAN-2004-0006
US-CERT Technical Alerts:
Metric:	6.69
Document Revision:	6

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