Description
The buf.pl script before 2.20 in Irssi before 0.8.20 uses weak permissions for the scrollbuffer dump file created between upgrades, which might allow local users to obtain sensitive information from private chat conversations by reading the file.
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 14 | irssi | 0.8.20-2 | — |
| Debian 13 | irssi | 0.8.20-2 | — |
| Debian 12 | irssi | 0.8.20-2 | — |
| Debian 7 | irssi | 0.8.15-5+deb7u1 | DLA-722-1 |
Ubuntu
Security tracker ↗| Release | Package | Fixed in | Advisory |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ubuntu 16.04 LTS | irssi | 0.8.19-1ubuntu1.3 | USN-3184-1 |
| Ubuntu 14.04 LTS | irssi | 0.8.15-5ubuntu3.1 | USN-3184-1 |
SUSE
Security tracker ↗| Release | Package | Fixed in | Advisory |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUSE Package Hub 12 | irssi | 0.8.20-9.1 | openSUSE-SU-2016:2524-1, SUSE-SU-2016:2524-1 |
openSUSE
Security tracker ↗| Release | Package | Fixed in | Advisory |
|---|---|---|---|
| openSUSE Tumbleweed | irssi | 0.8.20-3.1 | openSUSE-SU-2024:10455-1 |
Advisories 5
- USN-3184-1 irssi vulnerabilities Ubuntu Security Notices (USN) · Apr 22, 2026
- DLA-722-1 irssi - security update Debian Security (DSA / DLA) · Mar 9, 2026
- openSUSE-SU-2024:10455-1 irssi-0.8.20-3.1 on GA media SUSE / openSUSE Security Updates · Feb 4, 2026
- SUSE-SU-2016:2524-1 Security update for irssi SUSE / openSUSE Security Updates · Feb 4, 2026
- openSUSE-SU-2016:2524-1 Security update for irssi SUSE / openSUSE Security Updates · Feb 4, 2026
References
- [oss-security] 20160926 Re: CVE Request: irssi: information disclosure vulnerabilit in buf.pl mailing-list
- [oss-security] 20160924 CVE Request: irssi: information disclosure vulnerabilit in buf.pl mailing-list
- https://irssi.org/security/buf_pl_sa_2016.txt
- https://github.com/irssi/scripts.irssi.org/commit/f1b1eb154baa684fad5d65bf4dff79c8ded8b65a
- FEDORA-2016-39de4eb5e7 vendor-advisory
- 93155 vdb-entry