Critical Use-After-Free Vulnerability in Irssi Package
Summary
ALPINE-CVE-2017-15227: Irssi before 1.0.5, while waiting for the channel synchronisation, may incorrectly fail to remove destroyed channels from the query list, resulting in use-after-free conditions when updating the state later on. Affects irssi versions < 1.0.5-r0. Fixed in 1.0.5-r0. How to fix ↓
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Background
Irssi is a terminal-based IRC client that allows users to connect to IRC networks and chat with others. It is known for its lightweight design and extensibility through scripts. However, a vulnerability has been identified in Irssi versions prior to 1.0.5, which can lead to severe security issues due to improper handling of channel synchronization.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability arises from Irssi's failure to correctly remove destroyed channels from the query list while waiting for channel synchronization. This oversight can lead to use-after-free conditions, where the program attempts to access memory that has already been freed. Such conditions can be exploited by attackers to execute arbitrary code, potentially compromising the integrity and confidentiality of the user's system.
How To Fix
Minimum fixed version
1.0.5-r0
This is the first release that contains the fix.
sudo apk add --upgrade irssiTip — Not sure which version your app runs? Vulert can match this fix to it. Scan free →
Workaround
As a temporary workaround, users can avoid using the affected features of Irssi until the package is updated. This may involve refraining from joining new channels or performing actions that trigger channel synchronization until the patch is applied.
Conclusion
The identified use-after-free vulnerability in the Irssi package poses significant security risks. Users are strongly advised to update to version 1.0.5 or later to mitigate these risks. Regular monitoring and prompt updates are essential to maintaining system security.
See every vulnerability recorded for irssi →
FAQ
A use-after-free vulnerability occurs when a program continues to use a pointer after the memory it points to has been freed. This can lead to unpredictable behavior, crashes, or security breaches.
You can check your version of Irssi by running 'irssi --version' in the terminal. If it is below 1.0.5, it is vulnerable.
Failing to fix this vulnerability can expose your system to potential exploitation, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code, which may lead to data breaches or system compromise.
Yes, Vulert can monitor and alert you in real-time for open-source vulnerabilities in your software using just a manifest file like package-lock.json. You can check your application for this vulnerability using the Vulert playground.
While waiting for a patch, avoid using features that may trigger the vulnerability, and consider using alternative IRC clients until the update is applied.
References
Related vulnerabilities
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