CVE-2005-1093 in plugin for Miranda IM
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in the PopUp Plus 2.0.3.8 plugin for Miranda IM, with "Use SmileyAdd Setting" enabled, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/25/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-1093 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the PopUp Plus 2.0.3.8 plugin for Miranda IM messaging client. This issue specifically manifests when the "Use SmileyAdd Setting" functionality is enabled, creating a dangerous condition that remote attackers can exploit to gain arbitrary code execution privileges. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and memory management within the plugin's handling of smiley images, which are commonly used in instant messaging applications to enhance user communication experience.
The technical flaw occurs in the plugin's processing of smiley image data, where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overflow a fixed-size buffer when parsing specially crafted smiley files. This buffer overflow creates an opportunity for attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially including return addresses or function pointers, thereby enabling code execution. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates within a widely used instant messaging platform where users frequently exchange smiley images, making the attack vector highly accessible. The flaw is categorized under CWE-121 as a stack-based buffer overflow, which directly maps to the classic memory corruption attack patterns that have historically enabled privilege escalation and system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to potentially compromise entire user systems, as the plugin runs within the context of the Miranda IM application. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to install malware, steal user credentials, or establish persistent backdoors within the victim's system. The remote nature of the attack means that malicious actors do not require local access to exploit the vulnerability, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users receive messages from untrusted sources. This type of vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as successful exploitation would likely involve executing malicious payloads through the compromised application's process.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-1093 should prioritize immediate plugin deactivation or removal, as the most effective defense against this specific vulnerability. Users should disable the "Use SmileyAdd Setting" functionality within Miranda IM to prevent exploitation attempts. System administrators should implement network monitoring to detect suspicious smiley image transfers and consider deploying application whitelisting policies to restrict plugin execution. Additionally, upgrading to patched versions of Miranda IM and the PopUp Plus plugin would provide permanent resolution, though legacy systems may require more comprehensive security hardening measures. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of input validation in plugin architectures and underscores the need for regular security assessments of third-party components within messaging applications.