Description
Buffer overflow in the AIM and ICQ module in Gaim before 1.5.0 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (application crash) and possibly execute arbitrary code via an away message with a large number of AIM substitution strings, such as %t or %n.
Fixed in Linux distributions
Distributions backport fixes, so the version that fixes this vulnerability differs per release — upgrade to at least the version shown. From the distributions' security trackers and advisories.
Debian
Security tracker ↗| Release | Package | Fixed in | Advisory |
|---|---|---|---|
| Debian 4.0 | gaim | 1:1.4.0-5etch2 | DTSA-5-1 |
Public exploits
Exploit or proof-of-concept code for this vulnerability is publicly available, which lowers the bar for attackers. Treat it as a reason to patch sooner.
Third-party code, not reviewed by us. Public PoCs are sometimes fake or contain malware. Read the code first and run it only in an isolated lab, against systems you are authorised to test.
Exploit-DB 1
- Gaim AIM/ICQ Protocols - Multiple Vulnerabilities EDB-26139 · dos · Aug 10, 2005 · verified
Sources: PoC-in-GitHub, Metasploit Framework, Exploit-DB — updated daily. Only links are listed; no exploit code is hosted here.
Advisories 1
- DTSA-5-1 gaim - multiple remote vulnerabilities Debian Security (DSA / DLA) · Mar 9, 2026
References
- http://gaim.sourceforge.net/security/?id=22
- FLSA:158543 vendor-advisory
- SUSE-SR:2005:019 vendor-advisory
- oval:org.mitre.oval:def:11477 vdb-entry signature
- 14531 vdb-entry
- USN-168-1 vendor-advisory
- RHSA-2005:627 vendor-advisory
- RHSA-2005:589 vendor-advisory