CVE-2017-5591: Impersonation Vulnerability in SleekXMPP
Summary
CVE-2017-5591: SleekXMPP and Slixmpp Incorrect Implementation of Message Carbons. Affects slixmpp versions < 1.2.4. Fixed in 1.2.4. How to fix ↓
Also tracked for
The same CVE-2017-5591 is tracked separately for each ecosystem and vendor. Its fix information is the same; the package and affected versions differ.
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Background
SleekXMPP is a Python library for XMPP (Extensible Messaging and Presence Protocol) communication. It provides a high-level API for building XMPP clients and servers. The library is widely used in various applications that require real-time messaging and presence functionality. However, versions up to 1.3.1 of SleekXMPP, as well as Slixmpp versions up to 1.2.3, are affected by an impersonation vulnerability.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability, identified as CVE-2017-5591, stems from an incorrect implementation of the "XEP-0280: Message Carbons" protocol in multiple XMPP clients. This flaw allows a remote attacker to impersonate any user, including contacts, in the vulnerable application's display. As a result, the attacker can carry out various social engineering attacks, potentially leading to unauthorized access, data leakage, or other malicious activities.
How To Fix
Latest published version: 1.17.0 as of 23 Oct 2026
pip install --upgrade "slixmpp==1.17.0"Upgrading to it may include breaking changes; the version below is the minimum fixed release for this vulnerability.
If you need the minimum change
1.2.4
This is the first release that contains the fix.
pip install --upgrade "slixmpp==1.2.4"Tip — Not sure which version your app runs? Vulert can match this fix to it. Scan free →
Conclusion
The impersonation vulnerability in SleekXMPP can have serious consequences, allowing attackers to deceive users and potentially gain unauthorized access. It is crucial to promptly update to the fixed versions of SleekXMPP (1.3.2 or later) or Slixmpp (beyond 1.2.3) to mitigate this vulnerability. For further support on vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.
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FAQ
SleekXMPP is a Python library for XMPP communication, providing an API for building XMPP clients and servers.
The vulnerability allows a remote attacker to impersonate any user in the vulnerable application, enabling social engineering attacks and potential unauthorized access.
Versions up to 1.3.1 of SleekXMPP are affected by this vulnerability.
No specific workarounds have been identified for this vulnerability. Upgrading to the fixed versions is the recommended solution.
You can find more information about this vulnerability in the SleekXMPP advisory database: https://github.com/pypa/advisory-database/blob/main/vulns/sleekxmpp/PYSEC-2017-103.yaml
References
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