CVE-2007-5396 in Miranda
Summary
by MITRE
Format string vulnerability in the ext_yahoo_contact_added function in yahoo.c in Miranda IM 0.7.1 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a Y7 Buddy Authorization packet with format string specifiers in the contact Yahoo! handle (who).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/23/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-5396 represents a critical format string vulnerability within Miranda IM version 0.7.1, specifically within the ext_yahoo_contact_added function located in the yahoo.c source file. This flaw resides in the instant messaging client's Yahoo handle field, commonly referred to as the "who" parameter in the protocol implementation.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a classic format string attack vector where malicious actors craft specially formatted packets that contain format specifiers such as %s, %d, or %x within the contact handle field. When the vulnerable Miranda IM client processes this malformed data, it passes the unvalidated input directly to format string functions like printf or sprintf without proper validation or sanitization. This allows attackers to manipulate the stack memory layout, potentially leading to information disclosure, application crashes, or more critically, arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the protocol level, enabling remote attackers to exploit the flaw without requiring local system access or user interaction beyond receiving a malicious message.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability presents a severe threat to users of Miranda IM 0.7.1 who are connected to the Yahoo! Messenger network. The remote code execution capability means that attackers could potentially gain full control over affected systems, leading to data breaches, system compromise, or use of the compromised machine as a pivot point for further attacks. The vulnerability affects the core messaging functionality of the application, making it particularly dangerous as users may unknowingly trigger the exploit simply by accepting a contact authorization request from an attacker. The attack surface extends beyond individual users to potentially impact organizations that rely on instant messaging for communication, as compromised systems could serve as entry points for broader network infiltration attempts.
Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in the context of CWE-134, which specifically addresses the use of format strings with user-supplied data, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter usage. The recommended mitigations include immediate upgrade to a patched version of Miranda IM, as the vulnerability was addressed in subsequent releases through proper input validation and sanitization of user-supplied data before format string processing. Organizations should also implement network-based filtering to block suspicious Y7 protocol traffic and consider disabling Yahoo Messenger protocol communications can help detect potential exploitation attempts, while regular security assessments should verify that no other similar format string vulnerabilities exist in the application's codebase or associated plugins.