CVE-2007-3640 in Adobe Air
Summary
by MITRE
Adobe Integrated Runtime (AIR, aka Apollo) allows context-dependent attackers to modify arbitrary files within an executing .air file (compiled AIR application) and perform cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks, as demonstrated by an application that modifies an HTML file inside itself via JavaScript that uses an APPEND open operation and the writeUTFBytes function. NOTE: this may be an intended consequence of the AIR permission model; if so, then perhaps this issue should not be included in CVE.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/28/2017
Adobe Integrated Runtime AIR applications operate within a security model that allows for certain file manipulation operations while maintaining strict isolation between applications. The vulnerability in question stems from the way AIR handles file operations within its execution environment, specifically when applications attempt to modify their own embedded resources during runtime. This behavior occurs when an AIR application uses JavaScript functions such as the APPEND open operation combined with writeUTFBytes to modify HTML content stored within the application package itself.
The technical flaw manifests through the AIR permission model's handling of file I/O operations, where applications can manipulate their own embedded files without proper sandbox restrictions. When an application executes JavaScript code that opens an HTML file within the .air package using APPEND mode and subsequently writes data via writeUTFBytes, it can effectively modify the application's own resources. This creates a scenario where malicious code can alter the application's behavior by changing its HTML content, potentially introducing cross-site scripting vulnerabilities that could be exploited when the modified content is rendered.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file modification as it enables attackers to perform cross-site scripting attacks against the application's own execution context. The vulnerability allows for arbitrary code injection within the AIR application's runtime environment, potentially leading to privilege escalation or data exfiltration. The attack vector demonstrates that even applications designed to run in isolated environments can be compromised when they permit self-modification of embedded resources. This issue particularly affects applications that dynamically generate or update content within their own package structure.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability should focus on implementing stricter file access controls within the AIR runtime environment. Developers should avoid using file I/O operations that permit modification of embedded resources, particularly when those operations involve APPEND mode and write functions. The AIR permission model should be enhanced to prevent self-modification of application resources during execution, aligning with security principle of least privilege. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting and runtime monitoring to detect unauthorized file modification attempts. This vulnerability relates to CWE-264, which addresses permissions and access control issues, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for script-based execution and T1566 for social engineering through malicious content. The issue highlights the importance of proper sandboxing mechanisms in rich internet applications and the need for careful consideration of file access permissions in application design.