CVE-2002-1382 in Flash Player
Summary
by MITRE
Macromedia Flash Player before 6.0.65.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via certain malformed data headers in Shockwave Flash file format (SWF) files, a different issue than CAN-2002-0846.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/16/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-1382 represents a critical remote code execution flaw in Macromedia Flash Player versions prior to 6.0.65.0. This security weakness specifically targets the parsing mechanism of Shockwave Flash file format SWF files, where malformed data headers can trigger unauthorized code execution on vulnerable systems. The vulnerability operates through a distinct code path compared to the related CAN-2002-0846 issue, indicating separate underlying flaws in the Flash Player's processing logic. This particular weakness falls under the category of buffer overflow conditions that occur during file format parsing, making it a significant threat vector for attackers seeking to compromise systems through malicious Flash content.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when a malicious SWF file contains specially crafted malformed data headers that cause the Flash Player to improperly handle memory allocation and data processing. When the vulnerable Flash Player attempts to parse these malformed headers, it fails to properly validate the input data structure, leading to memory corruption that can be leveraged by attackers to inject and execute arbitrary code within the context of the user's session. The flaw demonstrates characteristics consistent with CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions, and CWE-787, which covers out-of-bounds write conditions, both of which are common in file format parsing vulnerabilities. Attackers can craft malicious SWF files that, when opened by an affected Flash Player, will trigger the exploitable code path through improper input validation and memory management.
The operational impact of CVE-2002-1382 extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with a complete remote compromise capability for systems running vulnerable Flash Player versions. This vulnerability enables attackers to perform actions such as installing malware, modifying system files, accessing sensitive data, or establishing persistent backdoors on compromised systems. The attack surface is particularly broad since Flash Player was widely deployed across web browsers and applications, making this vulnerability highly attractive to threat actors. The vulnerability's classification aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as successful exploitation allows attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the target system. Organizations relying on Flash content for legitimate business operations faced significant risk exposure, as the vulnerability could be exploited through web browsers, email attachments, or any other vector that would cause a vulnerable Flash Player to process malicious content.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2002-1382 primarily focus on immediate patching and deployment of the updated Flash Player version 6.0.65.0 or later, which contains the necessary fixes to properly validate SWF file headers and prevent memory corruption. System administrators should also implement network-based protections such as web application firewalls and content filtering solutions that can identify and block malicious SWF files before they reach vulnerable systems. Additionally, organizations should consider disabling Flash Player functionality entirely where possible, as the vulnerability landscape for Flash has significantly degraded over time. Security monitoring should include detection of suspicious SWF file processing activities and network traffic patterns associated with exploitation attempts. The remediation approach should also consider the broader context of Flash Player's end-of-life status, as Adobe officially discontinued Flash Player support in 2020, making continued use of vulnerable versions inadvisable from both security and operational perspectives.