#VU31439 Use-after-free in Irssi - CVE-2017-5194

Vulnerability identifier: #VU31439

Vulnerability risk: High

CVSSv4.0: 8.1 [CVSS:4.0/AV:N/AC:L/AT:N/PR:N/UI:N/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N/E:U/U:Amber]

CVE-ID: CVE-2017-5194

CWE-ID: CWE-416

Exploitation vector: Network

Exploit availability: No

Vulnerable software:
Irssi
Client/Desktop applications / Messaging software

Vendor: Irssi.org

Description

The vulnerability allows a remote attacker to compromise vulnerable system.

The vulnerability exists due to a use-after-free error when processing an invalid nick message. A remote attackers can cause a denial of service (crash).

Successful exploitation of the vulnerability may allow an attacker to compromise vulnerable system.

Mitigation
Update to version 0.8.21.

Vulnerable software versions

Irssi: 0.8.0 - 0.8.20

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External links
https://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2017/01/06/1
https://www.securityfocus.com/bid/95310
https://irssi.org/security/irssi_sa_2017_01.txt
https://lists.debian.org/debian-lts-announce/2017/12/msg00022.html
https://security.gentoo.org/glsa/201701-45

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Q & A

Can this vulnerability be exploited remotely?

Yes. This vulnerability can be exploited by a remote non-authenticated attacker via the Internet.

Is there known malware, which exploits this vulnerability?

No. We are not aware of malware exploiting this vulnerability.