CVE-2016-2374 in Pidgin
Summary
by MITRE
An exploitable memory corruption vulnerability exists in the handling of the MXIT protocol in Pidgin. Specially crafted MXIT MultiMX message sent via the server can result in an out-of-bounds write leading to memory disclosure and code execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/20/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-2374 represents a critical memory corruption flaw within Pidgin's implementation of the MXIT protocol handling mechanism. This issue manifests when the application processes specially crafted MultiMX messages transmitted through the server, creating a condition where memory boundaries are exceeded during message processing. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and buffer management within the protocol parsing code, specifically affecting how Pidgin handles incoming MXIT protocol communications. The MXIT protocol is a proprietary messaging protocol used by certain instant messaging services, and its integration into Pidgin's client architecture creates a potential attack surface that adversaries can exploit to compromise system integrity.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability involves crafting malicious MultiMX messages that trigger an out-of-bounds write condition within Pidgin's memory management system. This type of memory corruption typically occurs when the application attempts to write data beyond the allocated memory boundaries for a specific buffer or data structure. The flaw allows attackers to manipulate memory contents in ways that can lead to information disclosure, where sensitive memory regions become accessible to unauthorized parties. The out-of-bounds write condition creates opportunities for attackers to execute arbitrary code within the context of the Pidgin process, potentially enabling full system compromise. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-121 category of "Stack-based Buffer Overflow" and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as successful exploitation could enable remote code execution.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-2374 extends beyond simple denial of service conditions, as it presents a significant threat to user security and system integrity. When exploited, this vulnerability allows attackers to gain unauthorized access to systems running vulnerable versions of Pidgin, potentially enabling surveillance, data theft, or further network penetration. The attack vector requires the victim to be connected to a malicious MXIT server or to receive crafted messages through a compromised network connection, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users may encounter untrusted messaging services. The vulnerability affects multiple versions of Pidgin, with the risk persisting until proper patches are applied to address the buffer overflow condition in the MXIT protocol handler. Organizations and individuals using Pidgin for instant messaging should prioritize immediate remediation to prevent exploitation, as the potential for remote code execution makes this a high-priority security concern. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and memory safety practices in client-side applications that handle external protocol communications.