GLSA 200508-06: Gaim: Remote execution of arbitrary code

http://security.gentoo.org/

Severity:	high
Title:	Gaim: Remote execution of arbitrary code
Date:	08/15/2005
Bugs:	#102000
ID:	200508-06

Synopsis

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

Background

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

Affected packages

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

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.

Workaround

There is no known workaround at this time.

Resolution

All Gaim users should upgrade to the latest version:

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

References

Availability

This GLSA and any updates to it are available for viewing at the Gentoo Security Website: http://security.gentoo.org/glsa/glsa-200508-06.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.