CVE-2010-0987 in Shockwave Player
Summary
by MITRE
Heap-based buffer overflow in Adobe Shockwave Player before 11.5.7.609 might allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via crafted embedded fonts in a Shockwave file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/13/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-0987 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow within Adobe Shockwave Player versions prior to 11.5.7.609. This flaw exists in the handling of embedded font data within Shockwave files, creating a remote code execution vector that could be exploited by attackers. The vulnerability specifically affects the player's memory management when processing font resources that are embedded within Shockwave content, making it particularly dangerous in web environments where users might unknowingly encounter malicious Shockwave files.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate bounds checking during the processing of font data structures within Shockwave files. When the Shockwave Player encounters a crafted font embedded in a Shockwave file, the application fails to properly validate the size and structure of the font data before attempting to copy it into heap-allocated memory buffers. This lack of input validation allows attackers to overflow the allocated buffer and overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially corrupting the program's execution flow. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-121 as a heap-based buffer overflow, which occurs when a program writes data beyond the boundaries of heap-allocated memory regions. The flaw is particularly concerning because it operates entirely within the application's memory space without requiring any user interaction beyond visiting a malicious webpage or opening a compromised Shockwave file.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple data corruption, as it enables remote code execution capabilities that could be leveraged for complete system compromise. Attackers could craft malicious Shockwave files containing specially designed font data that, when opened by an unpatched Shockwave Player, would trigger the buffer overflow and allow arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the user running the player. This represents a significant threat in enterprise environments where Shockwave content might be encountered in web browsers, email attachments, or downloaded content. The vulnerability's remote exploitation capability means that attackers do not need physical access to the target system, making it particularly dangerous for widespread deployment. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and T1203 for Exploitation for Client Execution, as it enables attackers to execute malicious code on victim systems through legitimate application execution paths.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-0987 primarily focus on immediate patching and operational security measures. Adobe released Shockwave Player version 11.5.7.609 and later versions that contain fixes for this vulnerability, including enhanced bounds checking and improved memory management for font data processing. Organizations should prioritize immediate deployment of these security updates across all systems that utilize Shockwave Player functionality. Additionally, network-level mitigations such as web application firewalls and content filtering systems can be configured to block Shockwave content from untrusted sources, reducing the attack surface. Security administrators should also consider disabling Shockwave Player functionality in web browsers and email clients where it is not essential for business operations. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date software libraries and implementing robust input validation practices, as similar flaws in other applications have been documented in the CWE database under categories related to buffer overflows and memory safety issues. Organizations should also implement monitoring for unusual network traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts and maintain comprehensive incident response procedures to address potential compromises.