CVE-2015-8833: Use-after-free vulnerability in the create_smp_dialog function in gtk-dialog.c in the Off-the-Record Messaging

Q: How do I fix CVE-2015-8833?

pidgin-otr: upgrade to newer than 4.0.1. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Q: Is CVE-2015-8833 being exploited?

CVE-2015-8833 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

Q: What does CVE-2015-8833 affect?

CVE-2015-8833 affects pidgin-otr. Severity is critical (CVSS 9.8). Use-after-free vulnerability in the create_smp_dialog function in gtk-dialog.c in the Off-the-Record Messaging (OTR) pidgin-otr plugin before 4.0.2 for Pidgin allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via vectors related to the "Aut

Q: How urgent is CVE-2015-8833?

Priority 63/100. Critical severity; EPSS top 6%: very likely to be exploited; Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

This week

CRITICAL 9.8REMOTEUPGRADE

CVE-2015-8833 is a critical-severity flaw (CVSS 9.8) affecting pidgin-otr. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Use-after-free vulnerability in the create_smp_dialog function in gtk-dialog.c in the Off-the-Record Messaging (OTR) pidgin-otr plugin before 4.0.2 for Pidgin allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via vectors related to the "Authenticate buddy" menu item.

Why this priority

Critical severity
EPSS top 6%: very likely to be exploited
Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	9.8 (Critical)
Attack vector	Network (remote)
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	7.0% (top 6%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2016-04-12
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: cypherpunks

Last updated 2026-06-17 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2016-04-12 01:59 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 00:35 UTCUpdated Record last modified

cypherpunks pidgin-otr UPGRADE

Affected: <= 4.0.1

Fixed in: newer than 4.0.1

Safe to downgrade to: no unaffected older release

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy pidgin-otr || rpm -q pidgin-otr || pidgin-otr --version

2. UPGRADE to newer than 4.0.1 (Debian / Ubuntu)

sudo apt update && sudo apt install --only-upgrade pidgin-otr

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade pidgin-otr

Note

Distros often backport fixes without changing the version number. Confirm with the distro advisory or changelog.

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-2015-8833?

pidgin-otr: upgrade to newer than 4.0.1. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2015-8833 being exploited?

CVE-2015-8833 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-2015-8833 affect?

CVE-2015-8833 affects pidgin-otr. Severity is critical (CVSS 9.8). Use-after-free vulnerability in the create_smp_dialog function in gtk-dialog.c in the Off-the-Record Messaging (OTR) pidgin-otr plugin before 4.0.2 for Pidgin allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via vectors related to the "Aut

How urgent is CVE-2015-8833?

Priority 63/100. Critical severity; EPSS top 6%: very likely to be exploited; Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

Related CVEs

CVE-2012-2369 HIGH 7.5 UPGRADE Format string vulnerability in the log_message_cb function in otr-plugin.c in the Off-the-Record Messaging (OT

References

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