CVE-2002-0384 in Gaim
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in Jabber plug-in for Gaim client before 0.58 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/18/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-0384 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the Jabber plug-in component of the Gaim instant messaging client software. This issue affects versions prior to 0.58 and creates a significant security risk by allowing remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on vulnerable systems. The Gaim client, which was widely used for connecting to various instant messaging networks including AIM, ICQ, MSN, and Jabber, contained a specific implementation flaw in its Jabber protocol handling module that could be exploited through malformed network data.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and bounds checking within the Jabber plug-in's message processing routines. When the client received specially crafted Jabber protocol messages containing overly long strings or malformed data structures, the application failed to properly validate the input length before copying data into fixed-size buffers. This classic buffer overflow condition occurs when the amount of data exceeds the allocated buffer space, causing adjacent memory locations to be overwritten. The flaw specifically manifests during the parsing of incoming Jabber messages, particularly those containing extended character sequences or malformed XML elements that trigger the unsafe memory operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, as it provides attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected user. Remote attackers could craft malicious Jabber messages and send them to unsuspecting users running vulnerable Gaim versions, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The attack vector requires the victim to be connected to the Jabber network and to receive the malicious message, making this a network-based exploitation scenario. Successful exploitation could result in unauthorized access, data theft, system modification, or even complete system takeover depending on the execution environment and privileges of the affected user.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and represents a classic example of improper input validation that creates opportunities for code execution. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a remote code execution technique through network-based exploitation, specifically falling under the T1203 category for exploitation for privilege escalation. Organizations using Gaim or similar instant messaging clients should prioritize immediate patching of affected versions, as the vulnerability was present in widely distributed software that was commonly used in both personal and enterprise environments. The remediation process requires updating to Gaim version 0.58 or later, which includes proper input validation and buffer size checking mechanisms. System administrators should also consider implementing network monitoring to detect unusual Jabber protocol traffic patterns and deploy application whitelisting policies to prevent execution of untrusted code. Additionally, user education regarding the risks of accepting messages from untrusted sources remains crucial for mitigating potential exploitation attempts.