TMSNC: Execution of arbitrary code — GLSA 200903-26

A buffer overflow in TMSNC might lead to the execution of arbitrary code when processing an instant message.

Affected packages

net-im/tmsnc on all architectures
Affected versions <= 0.3.2-r1
Unaffected versions

Background

TMSNC is a Textbased client for the MSN instant messaging protocol.

Description

Nico Golde reported a stack-based buffer overflow when processing a MSN packet with a UBX command containing a large UBX payload length field.

Impact

A remote attacker could send a specially crafted message, possibly resulting in the execution of arbitrary code.

Workaround

There is no known workaround at this time.

Resolution

Since TMSNC is no longer maintained, we recommend that users unmerge the vulnerable package and switch to another console-based MSN client such as CenterIM or Pebrot:

 # emerge --unmerge "net-im/tmsnc"

References

Release date
March 12, 2009

Latest revision
March 12, 2009: 01

Severity
normal

Exploitable
remote

Bugzilla entries