CVE-2002-0605 in Flash Player
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in Flash OCX for Macromedia Flash 6 revision 23 (6,0,23,0) allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long movie parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/18/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-0605 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the Flash OCX component of Macromedia Flash Player version 6 revision 23. This issue affects the ActiveX control implementation specifically designed for macintosh operating systems, creating a pathway for remote code execution through malformed input parameters. The vulnerability stems from inadequate bounds checking within the processing of movie parameters, where the application fails to validate the length of input data before copying it into fixed-size memory buffers. This fundamental flaw allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations with malicious code, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when a remote attacker crafts a specially formatted movie parameter that exceeds the allocated buffer size. When the Flash OCX component processes this parameter, the insufficient input validation causes a buffer overflow condition that can be leveraged to redirect program execution flow. The attack vector specifically targets the ActiveX control interface, making it particularly dangerous in web browser environments where ActiveX controls are automatically executed. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and represents a classic example of improper input validation that enables arbitrary code execution.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations relying on Flash-based content delivery, particularly in environments where users may encounter untrusted web content. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur without user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website, making it particularly dangerous for enterprise networks. The attack can result in complete system compromise, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary commands with the privileges of the affected user. This vulnerability impacts the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of systems by providing unauthorized access to system resources and potentially enabling persistent backdoor access.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2002-0605 should prioritize immediate patch deployment from Macromedia, as this vulnerability was addressed through software updates that implemented proper input validation and buffer management. Organizations should also consider disabling Flash ActiveX controls in browser environments where they are not strictly required, implementing network-level restrictions to block malicious content, and conducting thorough security assessments of all Flash-based applications. The remediation efforts should align with industry best practices for buffer overflow protection and input validation as outlined in various cybersecurity frameworks, including those referenced in the ATT&CK framework under techniques related to code injection and privilege escalation. Additionally, organizations should implement network monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts and establish incident response procedures specifically addressing ActiveX-based vulnerabilities.