MEDIUM
CVE-2012-1178
CWE-399Published: March 15, 2012· Updated: Jun 16, 2026
5.0
CVSS v3.1
Official Description
The msn_oim_report_to_user function in oim.c in the MSN protocol plugin in libpurple in Pidgin before 2.10.2 allows remote servers to cause a denial of service (application crash) via an OIM message that lacks UTF-8 encoding.
Technical Analysis
CVE-2012-1178 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 ComplexityLow
Privileges Req.
User Interaction
Scope
Impact
ConfidentialityNone
IntegrityNone
AvailabilityP
AV:N/AC:L/Au:N/C:N/I:N/A:P
Affected Vendors & Products
pidgin1 product(s)
pidgin
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 (18)
→
http://pidgin.im/news/security/?id=61Vendor Advisory
→
http://pidgin.im/news/security/?id=61Vendor Advisory
Quick Facts
CVE IDCVE-2012-1178
CVSS Score5.0 / 10
SeverityMEDIUM
WeaknessCWE-399
CISA KEVNo
Affected1 vendor(s)
PublishedMar 15, 2012
Related CVEs (CWE-399)
Recommended Actions
- →Apply vendor patches immediately
- →Monitor CVE-2012-1178 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.