CVE-2003-1017 in Flash Player
Summary
by MITRE
Macromedia Flash Player before 7,0,19,0 stores a Flash data file in a predictable location that is accessible to web browsers such as Internet Explorer and Opera, which allows remote attackers to read restricted files via vulnerabilities in web browsers whose exploits rely on predictable names.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/02/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2003-1017 represents a critical security flaw in Macromedia Flash Player versions prior to 7.0.19.0 that stems from improper handling of Flash data files within the operating system's file structure. This issue creates a predictable storage location for Flash-related data files that can be accessed by web browsers such as Internet Explorer and Opera, fundamentally undermining the security model of web-based applications. The vulnerability operates through a combination of predictable file naming conventions and inadequate access controls that allow malicious actors to exploit browser weaknesses by leveraging these known file paths.
This security weakness falls under the category of information disclosure vulnerabilities and can be classified as CWE-200, which specifically addresses the exposure of sensitive information. The technical flaw manifests when Flash Player creates data files in predetermined directories that are accessible to web browsers, creating an attack surface that malicious actors can exploit. The vulnerability specifically targets the interaction between Flash Player's file handling mechanisms and web browser security models, where the predictable naming of data files enables attackers to construct exploits that rely on these known locations. When combined with existing browser vulnerabilities, particularly those related to file access restrictions, this flaw allows unauthorized reading of restricted files that should normally be protected from web-based access.
The operational impact of CVE-2003-1017 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it enables attackers to potentially access sensitive data that may include user credentials, system information, or other confidential files. The vulnerability affects web applications that rely on Flash Player for functionality, particularly in environments where browsers like Internet Explorer and Opera are used, since these browsers have known weaknesses that can be exploited when combined with the predictable file access patterns. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to bypass traditional security boundaries, potentially gaining access to files that are normally restricted to the local file system or user-specific directories. This creates a significant risk for enterprise environments where Flash-based applications are commonly deployed and where the predictable file locations can be systematically exploited.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability involve immediate patching of Flash Player installations to versions 7.0.19.0 or later, which address the predictable file storage issue through improved file handling mechanisms. Organizations should also implement network-level restrictions that limit Flash Player's ability to access local file system resources and consider browser security configurations that prevent automatic execution of Flash content from untrusted sources. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper file access controls and the dangers of predictable naming conventions in security-sensitive applications, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for scripting languages and T1070.004 for file deletion. System administrators should also monitor for any Flash-based applications that may still be using vulnerable versions and ensure that all endpoints are updated to prevent exploitation. The security community has noted that this vulnerability represents a classic example of how client-side applications can create security risks when they fail to properly isolate their data handling from the broader system environment, emphasizing the need for comprehensive security testing of application components that interact with the local file system.