CVE-2006-5724: Heap-based buffer overflow the "Answering Service" function in ICQ 2003b Build 3916 allows local users to caus

Routine

LOW 2.1DOWNGRADE

CVE-2006-5724 is a low-severity flaw (CVSS 2.1) affecting icq. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Heap-based buffer overflow the "Answering Service" function in ICQ 2003b Build 3916 allows local users to cause a denial of service (application crash) via a long string in the "AwayMsg Presets" value in the ICQ\ICQPro\DefaultPrefs\Presets registry key.

Why this priority

Public exploit reference

No fix is published yet: follow the downgrade or mitigation steps.

Risk facts

CVSS score	2.1 (Low)
EPSS exploit chance	0.5% (top 60%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2006-11-04
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: mirabilis

Last updated 2026-06-16 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2006-11-04 01:07 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 22:31 UTCUpdated Record last modified

mirabilis icq DOWNGRADE

Affected: 2003b_build3916

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 2003b_build3916

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy icq || rpm -q icq || icq --version

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 2003b_build3916 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison icq sudo apt install icq=<VERSION_BEFORE_2003b_build3916> sudo apt-mark hold icq

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

dnf --showduplicates list icq sudo dnf downgrade icq-<VERSION_BEFORE_2003b_build3916> sudo dnf versionlock add icq

Downgrade risk

Downgrading can break dependent software and may reopen older bugs. Read the distro advisory first and test on a non-production host.

After downgrade

Restart the service, and keep the package held until a fixed release ships.

Verify at the official source NVD · CVE Program · Report a problem with this page
Scores and fixes here are computed automatically from those and other public sources. Confirm with the vendor advisory before changing production systems.

Quick answers

How do I fix CVE-2006-5724?

icq: downgrade or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2006-5724 being exploited?

CVE-2006-5724 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

What does CVE-2006-5724 affect?

CVE-2006-5724 affects icq. Severity is low (CVSS 2.1). Heap-based buffer overflow the "Answering Service" function in ICQ 2003b Build 3916 allows local users to cause a denial of service (application crash) via a long string in the "AwayMsg Presets" value in the ICQ\ICQPro\DefaultPrefs\Presets

How urgent is CVE-2006-5724?

Priority 22/100. Public exploit reference

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References

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