Software Engineering Institute

Libpurple is an instant messenger (IM) library that is used by various programs to connect to multiple networks. Libpurple contains a buffer overflow vulnerability that can be triggered by sending specially crafted MSNSLP messages to a program that is using an affected version of the library.

For more technical details, see CORE Advisory CORE-2009-0727.

An attacker may be able to execute arbitrary code or cause an IM program to crash.

Upgrade
Instant messenger programs may distribute Libpurple and will provide an updated version to their users as a security update. See the systems affected portion of this document for a partial list of affected IM clients. Users who compile Libpurple or IM programs should see the Libpurple site or their operating system vendor for updated software.

Restrict Access

The most likely attack vector for this issue would be via the MSN IM network. Administrators may be able to temporarily mitigate this issue by blocking access to the MSN IM network. This workaround is not likely to be totally effective.