Vulnerability Note VU#527142

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

Overview

There is a buffer overflow vulnerability in the Gaim yahoo_packet_read() 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 supports a variety of instant messaging protocols, including the Yahoo Messenger (YMSG) protocol. There is a buffer overflow vulnerability in the yahoo_packet_read() function. When parsing a YMSG packet, the yahoo_packet_read() function fails to perform adequate bounds checking on the keyname value. By sending a specially crafted YMSG packet containing a large keyname value to a vulnerable system, an unauthenticated, remote attacker could 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:	11.81
Document Revision:	10

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