MEDIUM
CVE-2011-2943
NVD-CWE-OtherPublished: August 29, 2011· Updated: Jun 16, 2026
4.3
CVSS v3.1
Official Description
The irc_msg_who function in msgs.c in the IRC protocol plugin in libpurple 2.8.0 through 2.9.0 in Pidgin before 2.10.0 does not properly validate characters in nicknames, which allows user-assisted remote attackers to cause a denial of service (NULL pointer dereference and application crash) via a crafted nickname that is not properly handled in a WHO response.
Technical Analysis
CVE-2011-2943 can be exploited remotely over the network without requiring physical or adjacent access, significantly expanding the attack surface for threat actors.
Exploitation requires some privileges, which limits the exposure to scenarios where an attacker has already gained initial access.
CVSS v3.1 Vector Breakdown
Exploitability
Attack VectorNetwork
Attack ComplexityM
Privileges Req.
User Interaction
Scope
Impact
ConfidentialityNone
IntegrityNone
AvailabilityP
AV:N/AC:M/Au:N/C:N/I:N/A:P
Affected Vendors & Products
pidgin2 product(s)
libpurplepidgin
Source: NVD CPE · 46 total CPE entries
Exploit & PoC Resources
NO KNOWN EXPLOITNo public exploit confirmed at this time
Exploit-DB
Offensive Security exploit database
GitHub PoC Search
Community PoC repositories
Rapid7 / Metasploit
Metasploit module search
PacketStorm
Security advisories & exploits
NVD Detail
Official NIST entry
MITRE CVE
CVE Program entry
External links open in a new tab. Always verify in a controlled environment before use.
Official Patches & Advisories
All References (24)
→
http://pidgin.im/news/security/?id=53Patch · Vendor Advisory
→
http://secunia.com/advisories/45663Vendor Advisory
→
http://pidgin.im/news/security/?id=53Patch · Vendor Advisory
Quick Facts
CVE IDCVE-2011-2943
CVSS Score4.3 / 10
SeverityMEDIUM
WeaknessNVD-CWE-Other
CISA KEVNo
Affected1 vendor(s)
PublishedAug 29, 2011
Related CVEs (NVD-CWE-Other)
Recommended Actions
- →Apply vendor patches immediately
- →Monitor CVE-2011-2943 in threat intel feeds
- →Review IDS/IPS signatures for exploitation attempts
Data sourced from NVD (NIST), CISA KEV, and EPSS (FIRST). Analysis generated by CTIWATCH.COM. CVE data is provided under the NVD usage policy.