RHSA-2009:1059: Important: pidgin security update

Published May 22, 2009
·
Updated

Pidgin is an instant messaging program which can log in to multipleaccounts on multiple instant messaging networks simultaneously.A buffer overflow flaw was found in the way Pidgin initiates file transferswhen using the Extensible Messaging and Presence Protocol (XMPP). If aPidgin client initiates a file transfer, and the remote target sends amalformed response, it could cause Pidgin to crash or, potentially, executearbitrary code with the permissions of the user running Pidgin. This flawonly affects accounts using XMPP, such as Jabber and Google Talk.(CVE-2009-1373)It was discovered that on 32-bit platforms, the Red Hat Security AdvisoryRHSA-2008:0584 provided an incomplete fix for the integer overflow flawaffecting Pidgin's MSN protocol handler. If a Pidgin client receives aspecially-crafted MSN message, it may be possible to execute arbitrary codewith the permissions of the user running Pidgin. (CVE-2009-1376)Note: By default, when using an MSN account, only users on your buddy listcan send you messages. This prevents arbitrary MSN users from exploitingthis flaw.All Pidgin users should upgrade to this update package, which containsbackported patches to resolve these issues. Pidgin must be restarted forthis update to take effect.

Affected Software

1 affected component
Pidgin Pidgin

Remediation

Event History

May 22, 2009
Advisory Published
12:00 AM
Data Sourced
12:00 AM
RemedyDescriptionAffected Software
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Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is the severity of RHSA-2009:1059?

The severity of RHSA-2009:1059 is classified as important.

2

How do I fix RHSA-2009:1059?

To fix RHSA-2009:1059, update Pidgin to the latest version available in your distribution.

3

What is the impact of RHSA-2009:1059?

The impact of RHSA-2009:1059 includes the potential for a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code via crafted file transfers.

4

What versions of Pidgin are affected by RHSA-2009:1059?

RHSA-2009:1059 affects specific versions of Pidgin that utilize the XMPP protocol for file transfers.

5

Is there a workaround for RHSA-2009:1059?

A possible workaround for RHSA-2009:1059 is to disable file transfers in Pidgin until the patch is applied.

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