CVE-2007-6019 in Flash Player
Summary
by MITRE
Adobe Flash Player 9.0.115.0 and earlier, and 8.0.39.0 and earlier, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via an SWF file with a modified DeclareFunction2 Actionscript tag, which prevents an object from being instantiated properly.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/05/2025
Adobe Flash Player versions 9.0.115.0 and earlier, as well as 8.0.39.0 and earlier, contain a critical vulnerability that enables remote code execution through malformed SWF files. This vulnerability specifically exploits the DeclareFunction2 ActionScript tag within the Flash Player's ActionScript interpreter, creating a condition where objects fail to instantiate properly during the parsing process. The flaw exists in the way Flash Player handles the parsing and execution of ActionScript bytecode, particularly when processing function declarations that have been modified or crafted maliciously.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the manipulation of the ActionScript bytecode structure where attackers can modify the DeclareFunction2 tag to bypass normal object instantiation procedures. When Flash Player encounters such a modified tag, it fails to properly validate the object construction process, leading to memory corruption that can be exploited to execute arbitrary code on the target system. This represents a classic buffer overflow condition where the improper handling of function declaration structures results in memory layout corruption. The vulnerability falls under the CWE-121 category of stack-based buffer overflow, though it manifests through bytecode parsing rather than traditional memory corruption mechanisms. The attack vector requires a user to view a malicious SWF file, typically through web browsers or other applications that embed Flash Player components.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it allows attackers to execute code with the privileges of the Flash Player process, which typically runs with the same permissions as the user who launched the browser. This means that successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise, especially when combined with other attack techniques or when users have administrative privileges. The vulnerability affects a wide range of systems since Flash Player was widely deployed across multiple platforms including Windows, macOS, and Linux operating systems. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability in phishing campaigns, drive-by download attacks, or by embedding malicious SWF content in compromised websites. The attack requires no special privileges beyond the ability to deliver the malicious SWF file to a victim, making it particularly dangerous in web-based threat scenarios.
The mitigation strategy for this vulnerability involves immediate patching of Flash Player installations to versions that properly validate the DeclareFunction2 ActionScript tag and prevent malformed object instantiation. Adobe released security updates that addressed this specific issue by implementing proper validation checks for ActionScript bytecode parsing. Organizations should also implement web application firewalls and content filtering solutions that can detect and block malicious SWF files. Additionally, disabling Flash Player in web browsers or using browser plugins that sandbox Flash content can significantly reduce the attack surface. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 for the execution of malicious code and T1203 for the exploitation of software vulnerabilities. Network administrators should also monitor for suspicious SWF file downloads and implement security policies that restrict Flash content execution in enterprise environments, particularly in high-risk scenarios where users may encounter untrusted web content.