CVE-2011-4922 in Pidgin
Summary
by MITRE
cipher.c in the Cipher API in libpurple in Pidgin before 2.7.10 retains encryption-key data in process memory, which might allow local users to obtain sensitive information by reading a core file or other representation of memory contents.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/07/2021
The vulnerability described in CVE-2011-4922 represents a critical memory management flaw within the Cipher API implementation of Pidgin messaging client. This issue affects versions prior to 2.7.10 and specifically targets how the software handles encryption key data during cryptographic operations. The flaw resides in the cipher.c file which is part of libpurple, the core library that powers Pidgin's messaging capabilities. When Pidgin performs encryption operations, it stores sensitive key material in memory locations that remain accessible even after the encryption process completes. This improper memory handling creates a persistent security risk that can be exploited by malicious actors with local system access.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-254, which addresses weaknesses in cryptographic implementations related to improper handling of sensitive data. The flaw essentially creates a memory persistence issue where encryption keys remain in volatile memory even after their intended use has concluded. This behavior violates fundamental security principles regarding the lifecycle management of sensitive cryptographic material. When the application terminates or crashes, the memory contents may be dumped to core files or other memory representations, making the retained encryption keys accessible to any process with sufficient privileges to read these memory dumps.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risk for users of Pidgin who may be running on systems where local privilege escalation is possible. An attacker with local access could potentially extract core dumps or memory snapshots from the Pidgin process and recover encryption keys that were used to secure communications. This compromises the confidentiality of messages that were previously encrypted using Pidgin's built-in encryption features. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it operates at the memory level rather than requiring network-based exploitation, making it more difficult to detect and prevent through traditional network monitoring approaches. The vulnerability is classified under the MITRE ATT&CK framework as a technique for credential access through memory scraping, which is commonly used in post-exploitation phases of cyber attacks.
The impact extends beyond simple information disclosure, as recovered encryption keys could potentially be used to decrypt past communications or to impersonate users in encrypted messaging sessions. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where Pidgin is used for secure communications, such as in corporate settings or for personal privacy protection. Organizations using Pidgin for instant messaging should consider the broader implications of this vulnerability, especially in scenarios where system administrators or other local users might have malicious intent. The recommended mitigation involves upgrading to Pidgin version 2.7.10 or later, which includes proper memory cleanup mechanisms that ensure encryption keys are securely erased from memory after cryptographic operations complete. Additionally, system administrators should implement memory protection measures and regularly audit system core dumps to prevent accidental exposure of sensitive data through memory analysis techniques.