---
title: "CVE-2011-4922\n    | Ubuntu"
description: Ubuntu is an open source software operating system that runs from the
  desktop, to the cloud, to all your internet connected things.
url: https://ubuntu.com/security/CVE-2011-4922?format=md
keywords: index, follow
---

# CVE-2011-4922

Publication date 4 January 2012

Last updated 24 July 2024

---

Ubuntu priority

**Low**

[Why this priority?](https://ubuntu.com/security/cves/about#priority )

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## Description

cipher.c in the Cipher API in libpurple in Pidgin before 2.7.10 retains
encryption-key data in process memory, which might allow local users to
obtain sensitive information by reading a core file or other representation
of memory contents.
It was discovered that libpurple versions prior to 2.7.10 do not properly
clear certain data structures used in libpurple/cipher.c prior to freeing. An
attacker could potentially extract partial information from memory regions
freed by libpurple.

## Status

Show unmaintained releases

| Package | Ubuntu Release | Status |
| --- | --- | --- |
| pidgin | 12.04 LTS precise | Not affected |
| 11.10 oneiric | Not affected |
| 11.04 natty | Not affected |
| 10.10 maverick | Ignored end of life |
| 10.04 LTS lucid | Fixed 1:2.6.6-1ubuntu4.5 |
| 8.04 LTS hardy | Ignored end of life |

---

* [How can I get the fixes?](https://ubuntu.com/security/cves/about#security)
* [What do statuses mean?](https://ubuntu.com/security/cves/about#statuses)
* [Patch details](https://ubuntu.com/security/CVE-2011-4922?format=md#patch-details)

### Patch details

For informational purposes only. We recommend not to cherry-pick updates. [How can I get the fixes?](https://ubuntu.com/security/cves/about#security)

| Package | Patch details |
| --- | --- |
| pidgin | * Upstream:   <http://hg.pidgin.im/pidgin/main/rev/8c850977cb42> |

## References

* [MITRE](https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2011-4922)
* [NVD](https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2011-4922)
* [Launchpad](https://launchpad.net/bugs/cve/CVE-2011-4922)
* [Debian](https://security-tracker.debian.org/tracker/CVE-2011-4922)

### Related Ubuntu Security Notices (USN)

+ [USN-1500-1](https://usn.ubuntu.com/USN-1500-1)
+ Pidgin vulnerabilities
+ 9 July 2012

### Other references

* <http://www.pidgin.im/news/security/?id=50>
* <https://www.cve.org/CVERecord?id=CVE-2011-4922>