GLSA 200401-04: GAIM 0.75 Remote overflows

http://security.gentoo.org/

Severity:	normal
Title:	GAIM 0.75 Remote overflows
Date:	01/26/2004
Bugs:	#39470
ID:	200401-04

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.

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.

Affected packages

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

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.

Workaround

There is no immediate workaround; a software upgrade is required.

Resolution

All users are recommended to upgrade GAIM to 0.75-r7.

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

References

Security advisory from Stefan Esser

Availability

This GLSA and any updates to it are available for viewing at the Gentoo Security Website: http://security.gentoo.org/glsa/glsa-200401-04.xml

Concerns?

Security is a primary focus of Gentoo Linux and ensuring the confidentiality and security of our users machines is of utmost importance to us. Any security concerns should be addressed to security@gentoo.org or alternatively, you may file a bug at https://bugs.gentoo.org.