CVE-2009-3463 in Shockwave Player
Summary
by MITRE
Array index error in Adobe Shockwave Player before 11.5.2.602 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via crafted Shockwave content on a web site. NOTE: some of these details are obtained from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/07/2024
Adobe Shockwave Player versions prior to 11.5.2.602 contained a critical array index error that enabled remote code execution through maliciously crafted Shockwave content hosted on web servers. This vulnerability stems from improper bounds checking within the player's handling of array data structures when processing Shockwave files. The flaw occurs during the parsing of multimedia content where the application fails to validate array indices before accessing memory locations, creating a classic buffer over-read condition that can be exploited by attackers to execute arbitrary code on vulnerable systems.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a specific memory access pattern where the Shockwave Player processes array data structures without adequate boundary validation. When encountering crafted Shockwave content, the player's parser attempts to access array elements using calculated indices that exceed the allocated array bounds. This misbehavior allows attackers to manipulate memory access patterns and potentially overwrite critical system memory locations, leading to arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates within the context of a web browser environment where users may unknowingly encounter malicious Shockwave content during normal browsing activities.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution to encompass full system compromise capabilities. Attackers can leverage this flaw to gain complete control over affected systems, potentially installing malware, modifying system files, or establishing persistent backdoors. The vulnerability affects a wide range of systems since Shockwave Player was widely distributed and supported across multiple operating systems including windows and macos platforms. Security researchers have classified this issue as high severity due to its remote exploitability and the ease with which attackers can craft malicious content to exploit the vulnerability.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-129, which addresses improper validation of array indices, and represents a common class of memory safety issues that have been extensively documented in cybersecurity literature. The attack vector follows typical remote exploitation patterns described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the technique of "Exploitation for Client Execution" where adversaries leverage software vulnerabilities to execute malicious code on target systems. Organizations running affected versions of Shockwave Player should immediately implement patch management procedures to upgrade to version 11.5.2.602 or later, while network administrators should consider implementing web filtering measures to block access to known malicious Shockwave content. Additionally, users should disable Shockwave Player plugins in web browsers when not actively required, as this reduces the attack surface and mitigates potential exploitation attempts.