CVE-2009-4002 in Shockwave Player
Summary
by MITRE
Heap-based buffer overflow in Adobe Shockwave Player before 11.5.6.606 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted 3D model in a Shockwave file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/11/2025
Adobe Shockwave Player version 11.5.6.606 and earlier contained a critical heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability that enabled remote code execution through maliciously crafted 3D models within Shockwave files. This vulnerability resides in the player's handling of 3D model data structures, specifically when processing malformed or oversized vertex arrays that exceed allocated memory boundaries. The flaw occurs during the parsing of Shockwave content where the application fails to properly validate input data lengths before copying data into fixed-size heap buffers, creating a condition where attacker-controlled data can overwrite adjacent memory regions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic heap overflow pattern that aligns with CWE-121, heap-based buffer overflow, and CWE-787, out-of-bounds write. When Shockwave Player encounters a crafted 3D model with excessive vertex data, the application allocates insufficient heap memory to accommodate the data, allowing subsequent memory writes to overwrite critical program structures including return addresses, function pointers, or other control data. This memory corruption directly enables attackers to manipulate the program execution flow and inject malicious code that executes with the privileges of the vulnerable Shockwave Player process.
The operational impact of CVE-2009-4002 extends beyond simple remote code execution, as it represents a significant threat vector for enterprise environments where Shockwave Player remains installed. The vulnerability's exploitation requires only a user to open a malicious Shockwave file, making it particularly dangerous in phishing campaigns or compromised websites. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent backdoors, escalate privileges, or deploy additional malware payloads. The attack surface is further expanded due to Shockwave Player's widespread deployment across various Windows platforms and its integration with web browsers through ActiveX controls, providing multiple attack vectors for exploitation.
Security professionals should note that this vulnerability maps to several ATT&CK techniques including T1059.007 for command and script interpreter and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation. The remediation strategy focuses primarily on immediate patching of Shockwave Player to version 11.5.6.606 or later, which implements proper bounds checking and input validation for 3D model data. Organizations should also implement network-based mitigations such as blocking Shockwave file extensions (.swf, .dcr) at network perimeters and disabling Shockwave Player plugins in web browsers. Additionally, regular security assessments should verify the complete removal of outdated Shockwave Player installations from enterprise environments, as the vulnerability remains exploitable in older versions and can be leveraged in advanced persistent threat campaigns.