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Yahoo! Messenger contains a buffer overflow in "set_buddygrp" when adding users to a buddy list via the web

Vulnerability Note VU#755755

Original Release Date: 2002-06-05 | Last Revised: 2002-06-05

Overview

Yahoo! Messenger is an instant messaging client. There is a remotely exploitable buffer overflow vulnerability in the "set_buddygrp" field of Yahoo! Messenger.

Description

A remotely exploitable buffer overflow exists in the "set_buddygrp" field that may permit a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code on the system with the privileges of the current user. It is possible to crash the Yahoo! Messenger client by overflowing the "set_buddygrp" field.

Impact

Exploitation of this vulnerability crashes the application, resulting in a denial-of-service condition. However, this vulnerability is a buffer overflow, and may allow the execution of arbitrary code on the local system with the privileges of the current user.

Solution

This vulnerability was fixed by a sever-side resolution in February 2002. No user action is required.

Vendor Information

755755
 

Yahoo Affected

Notified:  May 31, 2002 Updated: June 05, 2002

Status

Affected

Vendor Statement

This issue was resolved on the Yahoo! Messsenger servers on 26-Feb-2002. Users do not need to take any action to protect themselves from this vulnerability.

Vendor Information

The vendor has not provided us with any further information regarding this vulnerability.

Addendum

The CERT/CC has no additional comments at this time.

If you have feedback, comments, or additional information about this vulnerability, please send us email.


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References

Acknowledgements

This vulnerability was discovered by Adam Lang.

This document was written by Jason Rafail.

Other Information

CVE IDs: None
CERT Advisory: CA-2002-16
Severity Metric: 22.78
Date Public: 2002-02-26
Date First Published: 2002-06-05
Date Last Updated: 2002-06-05 21:08 UTC
Document Revision: 22

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