CVE-2012-3461
CWE-119Published: August 20, 2012· Updated: Jun 16, 2026
Official Description
The (1) otrl_base64_otr_decode function in src/b64.c; (2) otrl_proto_data_read_flags and (3) otrl_proto_accept_data functions in src/proto.c; and (4) decode function in toolkit/parse.c in libotr before 3.2.1 allocates a zero-length buffer when decoding a base64 string, which allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (application crash) via a message with the value "?OTR:===.", which triggers a heap-based buffer overflow.
Technical Analysis
CVE-2012-3461 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.
From a weakness classification perspective (CWE-119): Buffer overflow vulnerabilities can lead to arbitrary code execution or denial of service by corrupting adjacent memory.
CVSS v3.1 Vector Breakdown
Affected Vendors & Products
Exploit & PoC Resources
All References (32)
Quick Facts
Related CVEs (CWE-119)
Recommended Actions
- →Apply vendor patches immediately
- →Monitor CVE-2012-3461 in threat intel feeds
- →Review IDS/IPS signatures for exploitation attempts