[ GLSA 200401-04 ] GAIM 0.75 Remote overflows

[GLSA]

Gentoo Linux Security Advisory

Title: GAIM 0.75 Remote overflows (GLSA 200401-04)
Severity: normal
Exploitable: man-in-the-middle
Date: January 26, 2004
Bug(s): #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: net-im/gaim
Vulnerable: < 0.75-r7
Unaffected: >= 0.75-r7
Architectures: 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.