CVE-2007-6148 in Flash Media Server 2
Summary
by MITRE
Use-after-free vulnerability in the Edge server in Adobe Flash Media Server 2 before 2.0.5, and Connect Enterprise Server 6 before SP3, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via an unspecified sequence of Real Time Message Protocol (RTMP) requests.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/05/2019
The CVE-2007-6148 vulnerability represents a critical use-after-free condition affecting Adobe Flash Media Server 2 versions prior to 2.0.5 and Adobe Connect Enterprise Server 6 versions prior to Service Pack 3. This vulnerability resides within the Edge server component of these media streaming platforms, which are widely used for delivering rich media content and real-time communication services in enterprise environments. The flaw manifests specifically when processing Real Time Message Protocol (RTMP) requests, a protocol commonly employed for low-latency communication between Flash clients and media servers. The vulnerability stems from improper memory management where freed memory locations are still referenced by subsequent operations, creating a dangerous scenario that can be exploited by remote attackers to gain unauthorized system control.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a specific sequence of RTMP requests that triggers the use-after-free condition in the Edge server's memory handling routines. When the server processes these malformed requests, it executes code that causes memory to be freed while still maintaining references to that memory location. Subsequently, when the application attempts to access or manipulate the freed memory, it can lead to unpredictable behavior including arbitrary code execution. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-416, which specifically addresses Use After Free conditions, and represents a fundamental memory safety issue that has been a persistent challenge in software development. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows remote code execution without requiring authentication, making it an attractive target for attackers seeking to compromise media server infrastructure.
The operational impact of CVE-2007-6148 extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it can enable complete system compromise of vulnerable Adobe Flash Media Server installations. Organizations relying on these platforms for content delivery, video conferencing, or live streaming services face significant risks when exposed to this vulnerability, as attackers could potentially gain full administrative control over their media infrastructure. The remote nature of the exploit means that attackers do not need physical access to the servers, allowing them to target vulnerable installations from anywhere on the internet. This vulnerability directly maps to attack techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1059.007 sub-technique for 'Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell' and T1078.004 for 'Valid Accounts: Cloud Accounts,' as compromised servers could be used for further lateral movement or cloud-based attacks. The widespread deployment of Adobe Flash Media Server in enterprise environments makes this vulnerability particularly concerning from a cybersecurity perspective.
Organizations should prioritize immediate remediation of this vulnerability by upgrading to Adobe Flash Media Server 2.0.5 or later versions, and Adobe Connect Enterprise Server 6 Service Pack 3 or higher. The patching process requires careful planning to ensure compatibility with existing media applications and services, as these platforms often support critical business functions including video conferencing, online training, and content delivery systems. System administrators should also implement network segmentation and monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts, as the vulnerability can be leveraged for persistent access to compromised systems. Additional defensive measures include disabling unnecessary RTMP services, implementing strict firewall rules to restrict RTMP traffic, and conducting thorough vulnerability assessments of all media server installations. The remediation process should also include reviewing access controls and implementing principle of least privilege configurations for media server accounts, as the vulnerability can be exploited to escalate privileges and gain unauthorized access to sensitive system resources.