CVE-2009-3466 in Shockwave Player
Summary
by MITRE
Adobe Shockwave Player before 11.5.2.602 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted web page that triggers memory corruption, related to an "invalid string length vulnerability." 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 version 11.5.2.602 and earlier contains a critical memory corruption vulnerability that enables remote code execution through malicious web pages. This vulnerability stems from an invalid string length handling flaw that occurs during the processing of Shockwave content, specifically when parsing malformed string data structures. The flaw exists in the player's handling of string parameters within the Shockwave runtime environment, where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to manipulate memory layout through crafted input data. When a user visits a malicious web page containing specially crafted Shockwave content, the player's string parsing mechanism fails to properly validate string length parameters, leading to buffer overflows or memory corruption that can be exploited to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected user. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and requires user interaction through web browsing, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where users may inadvertently encounter malicious content. This issue represents a classic buffer overflow vulnerability that aligns with CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient validation of string length parameters leads to memory corruption. The exploitability of this vulnerability is significantly enhanced by the fact that Shockwave Player was widely distributed and enabled by default in many web browsers, creating a substantial attack surface. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to bypass standard security controls and execute malicious payloads on targeted systems, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The operational impact extends beyond individual user devices to enterprise networks, as the vulnerability can be exploited through drive-by downloads and targeted phishing campaigns. Organizations running older versions of Shockwave Player face significant risk, particularly in environments where users have administrative privileges or access to sensitive data. The vulnerability's classification under ATT&CK technique T1203, "Exploitation for Client Execution," demonstrates how attackers can use this flaw to gain initial access through compromised web browsers. Mitigation strategies include immediate patching to version 11.5.2.602 or later, disabling Shockwave Player in web browsers, and implementing network-based controls to block Shockwave content. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all systems running affected versions and implement user education to reduce the risk of accidental exploitation through malicious web content. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and memory management in multimedia player applications, particularly those that process untrusted content from web sources.