CVE-2002-0005 in Instant Messenger
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in AOL Instant Messenger (AIM) 4.7.2480, 4.8.2616, and other versions allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long argument in a game request (AddGame).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/25/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2002-0005 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw affecting AOL Instant Messenger versions 4.7.2480 and 4.8.2616, along with other affected releases. This issue resides within the client-side implementation of the instant messaging application and specifically targets the handling of game request parameters. The vulnerability manifests when the AIM client processes a malformed AddGame command containing an excessively long argument, creating a condition where memory boundaries are exceeded. This buffer overflow condition occurs in the application's parsing logic for game invitations, which are commonly used within the AIM ecosystem to facilitate interactive gaming experiences between users.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which categorizes buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations. The flaw exploits the lack of proper input validation in the game request processing module, where the application fails to adequately sanitize or limit the length of the argument parameter passed during AddGame operations. When an attacker crafts a malicious game request with an oversized argument string, the buffer allocated for processing this data becomes insufficient to accommodate the input, leading to memory corruption that can be leveraged for code execution. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it requires no authentication or privileged access, as the vulnerability is triggered during normal user interaction with the game invitation feature.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with the capability to gain complete control over the victim's system. The remote execution capability means that an attacker can exploit this vulnerability from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access to the target machine. Once successfully exploited, the malicious code can perform various malicious activities including but not limited to installing backdoors, stealing user credentials, accessing sensitive data, or using the compromised system as a launching point for further attacks within a network. The vulnerability's prevalence in multiple versions of AIM indicates a widespread exposure across the user base, making it an attractive target for automated exploitation campaigns. This type of vulnerability also creates opportunities for attackers to leverage the compromised system for botnet recruitment or to conduct reconnaissance activities against other network resources.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2002-0005 should focus on immediate patch application from AOL, as the vendor would have released a security update addressing the buffer overflow condition. Organizations and individuals should implement network segmentation to limit exposure, particularly in environments where AIM is used, and deploy intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious AddGame command patterns. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of input validation and bounds checking in software development, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter usage. Additionally, security monitoring should include detection of malformed game request parameters, and users should be educated about the risks of accepting game invitations from untrusted sources. Regular security audits of legacy instant messaging applications are recommended to identify similar buffer overflow conditions that may exist in other software components. The vulnerability also highlights the necessity of implementing secure coding practices such as using safe string handling functions and performing comprehensive input validation to prevent similar issues in future software releases.