CVE-2004-1411 in Instant Messenger
Summary
by MITRE
Gadu-Gadu build 155 and earlier allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (infinite loop) via a message that contains an image whose filename does not start with restricted characters.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/08/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-1411 affects the Gadu-Gadu instant messaging client version 155 and earlier, representing a significant security flaw that could be exploited to disrupt service availability. This issue stems from inadequate input validation within the message processing mechanism of the software, specifically when handling image attachments within messages. The vulnerability operates through a carefully crafted malicious message structure that triggers unexpected behavior in the client application's processing logic.
The technical flaw manifests when the Gadu-Gadu client encounters an image filename that does not begin with restricted characters as defined by the application's security policies. This condition causes the client to enter an infinite loop during the image processing phase, effectively consuming system resources and rendering the application unresponsive. The flaw is categorized as a denial of service vulnerability because it prevents legitimate users from accessing the messaging service, regardless of whether the attacker controls the server or targets individual clients.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a substantial risk to users of the Gadu-Gadu messaging platform, particularly in environments where continuous communication is critical. The infinite loop condition can cause the application to become completely unresponsive, requiring manual intervention to restore normal functionality. Network administrators and security professionals must consider this vulnerability when assessing the security posture of systems that utilize Gadu-Gadu clients, as it represents a potential vector for service disruption attacks.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-691, which addresses insufficient control of a resource through a mechanism that allows the resource to be consumed indefinitely, and relates to ATT&CK technique T1499.004 for network denial of service attacks. This flaw demonstrates how seemingly minor input validation issues can escalate into significant service availability problems, emphasizing the importance of robust defensive programming practices in client-side applications. The vulnerability also reflects common patterns in software security where insufficient boundary checking and input sanitization lead to resource exhaustion conditions.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2004-1411 should prioritize immediate software updates to versions that address the identified flaw in message processing logic. Organizations should implement network monitoring to detect unusual resource consumption patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, security policies should include restrictions on image file handling within instant messaging clients, particularly in environments where service availability is paramount. System administrators should consider implementing application whitelisting controls to prevent execution of vulnerable client versions and establish incident response procedures for handling denial of service events. The vulnerability underscores the necessity of comprehensive input validation and resource management practices in client applications to prevent similar issues from arising in future deployments.