CVE-2017-15722 in irssi
Summary
by MITRE
In certain cases, Irssi before 1.0.5 may fail to verify that a Safe channel ID is long enough, causing reads beyond the end of the string.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/04/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-15722 represents a classic buffer over-read condition affecting the Irssi IRC client software. This issue manifests when the application processes channel identifiers in a manner that fails to properly validate the length of safe channel IDs, creating a scenario where memory reads extend beyond the allocated string boundaries. The flaw exists within the core channel handling mechanisms of Irssi, specifically in how the software manages and verifies channel identification strings during various network operations. This vulnerability is particularly concerning as it can be exploited through network-based attacks where malicious actors manipulate channel names or identifiers to trigger the unsafe memory access patterns.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within Irssi's channel processing logic. When the software encounters channel identifiers, it performs insufficient length checks on the Safe channel ID before proceeding with memory operations. This oversight creates a condition where the application may attempt to read memory locations beyond the legitimate string boundaries, potentially exposing sensitive data or causing application instability. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-129 as an insufficient input validation, specifically involving improper validation of input length, which allows for buffer over-read scenarios. The flaw operates at the application layer and requires no special privileges to exploit, making it particularly dangerous in networked environments where users may encounter malformed channel data from untrusted sources.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-15722 extends beyond simple application crashes or memory corruption, as it can potentially lead to information disclosure or denial of service conditions. When triggered, the buffer over-read may cause Irssi to access memory regions containing sensitive information such as session tokens, user credentials, or other confidential data stored in adjacent memory locations. This type of vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK technique T1059 for executing malicious code through command injection, though in this case the exploitation occurs through memory corruption rather than direct command execution. The vulnerability affects users who connect to IRC networks where malicious actors may attempt to exploit this condition through crafted channel names or identifiers, potentially leading to unauthorized data access or service disruption.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-15722 primarily focus on software updates and input validation enhancements. The most effective remediation involves upgrading to Irssi version 1.0.5 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the buffer over-read condition. Organizations should also implement network monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts through malformed channel identifiers. Additionally, administrators should consider implementing input sanitization measures at the network level to filter out suspicious channel name patterns. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper bounds checking and input validation in security-critical applications, aligning with security best practices outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should include verification of input validation mechanisms to prevent similar buffer over-read conditions from being introduced in future software releases.