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Gentoo Linux Security Advisory                           GLSA 200401-04
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~                                             http://security.gentoo.org
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~  Severity: Normal
~     Title: GAIM 0.75 Remote overflows
~      Date: January 27, 2004
~      Bugs: #39470
~        ID: 200401-04

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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.

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
vulnerabilities [ 1 ].

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
==========

~    [ 1 ] :  http://www.securityfocus.com/archive/1/351235

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 
http://bugs.gentoo.org.