CVE-2016-2371 in Pidgin
Summary
by MITRE
An out-of-bounds write vulnerability exists in the handling of the MXIT protocol in Pidgin. Specially crafted MXIT data sent via the server could cause memory corruption resulting in code execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/20/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-2371 represents a critical out-of-bounds write flaw within Pidgin's implementation of the MXIT protocol handling mechanism. This issue stems from inadequate input validation and memory management practices when processing specially crafted MXIT data packets received from servers. The MXIT protocol, which was used for instant messaging services, contained a flaw where the application failed to properly bounds-check data structures before writing to memory locations, creating a condition that could be exploited by remote attackers.
The technical nature of this vulnerability places it squarely within the realm of memory corruption vulnerabilities, specifically categorized under CWE-787 Out-of-bounds Write as defined by the Common Weakness Enumeration framework. This flaw manifests when Pidgin receives malformed MXIT protocol data that triggers an attempt to write data beyond the allocated memory boundaries of a buffer or data structure. The vulnerability does not require authentication or local access, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited through network-based attacks against vulnerable systems. The out-of-bounds write condition creates a scenario where attacker-controlled data can overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution within the context of the Pidgin application process.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to users of Pidgin who utilize MXIT protocol support for instant messaging services. Attackers could exploit this weakness by crafting malicious MXIT data packets and transmitting them through MXIT servers, causing Pidgin to crash or potentially execute arbitrary code on the victim's system. The implications extend beyond simple application crashes to include potential privilege escalation, data theft, or system compromise depending on the execution environment and access controls in place. This vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 Command and Scripting Interpreter: Visual Basic within the MITRE ATT&CK framework, as the successful exploitation could enable attackers to execute malicious code through compromised messaging clients.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-2371 primarily focus on immediate patch application and protocol disablement where possible. Users should update to Pidgin versions that contain fixes for this vulnerability, typically released as part of the 2.10.12 or later releases. Organizations should consider disabling MXIT protocol support entirely if it is not required for business operations, as this eliminates the attack surface associated with this specific vulnerability. Network-level protections such as intrusion detection systems can help identify and block suspicious MXIT protocol traffic patterns, though these measures are not foolproof against determined attackers. Additionally, implementing application whitelisting controls and restricting network access to MXIT servers can provide additional defense-in-depth measures. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper bounds checking and memory management practices in messaging applications, particularly those handling data from untrusted sources, and underscores the need for regular security updates and vulnerability assessments in client applications that process network protocols.