Critical NULL Pointer Dereference Vulnerability in Irssi Package
Summary
ALPINE-CVE-2017-15723: In Irssi before 1.0.5, overlong nicks or targets may result in a NULL pointer dereference while splitting the message. Affects irssi versions < 1.0.5-r0. Fixed in 1.0.5-r0. How to fix ↓
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Background
Irssi is a popular terminal-based IRC client that allows users to connect to multiple IRC networks and channels. It is known for its extensibility and support for various protocols. However, prior to version 1.0.5, Irssi had a vulnerability that could lead to a NULL pointer dereference when handling overlong nicknames or targets, which could crash the application.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability, identified as CVE-2017-15723, arises from the mishandling of overly long nicknames or targets in messages. When such inputs are processed, the application may attempt to dereference a NULL pointer, leading to a crash. This could be exploited by malicious users to disrupt the service, potentially affecting all users connected to the same IRC channel. The CVSS score for this vulnerability is 7.5, indicating a high severity level.
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 limit the length of nicknames and targets in their IRC messages to avoid triggering the vulnerability until the package is updated.
Conclusion
The NULL pointer dereference vulnerability in the Irssi package poses a significant risk to users, particularly those using versions prior to 1.0.5. It is crucial to update to the patched version to mitigate potential disruptions. Users can also utilize Vulert for ongoing monitoring of vulnerabilities in their applications.
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FAQ
CVE-2017-15723 is a vulnerability in the Irssi IRC client that allows for a NULL pointer dereference due to overly long nicknames or targets.
You can check your version of Irssi by running 'irssi --version' in your terminal. If it is below 1.0.5, it is affected.
Not fixing this vulnerability can lead to application crashes, which may disrupt service for all users connected to the affected IRC channels.
Yes, you can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts in real-time for open-source vulnerabilities using just a manifest file like package-lock.json.
Detailed information about CVE-2017-15723 can be found on the official CVE database or through security advisories related to the Irssi package.
References
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