CVE-2010-2582 in Shockwave Player
Summary
by MITRE
An unspecified function in TextXtra.x32 in Adobe Shockwave Player before 11.5.9.615 does not properly reallocate a buffer when processing a DEMX chunk in a Director file, which allows remote attackers to trigger a heap-based buffer overflow and execute arbitrary code.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/28/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-2582 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow flaw within Adobe Shockwave Player's TextXtra.x32 component. This issue specifically manifests when processing DEMX chunks within Director files, creating a condition where insufficient buffer reallocation allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations. The vulnerability resides in the software's handling of multimedia content through the Shockwave Player framework, which is widely distributed and frequently executed in web environments, making it particularly dangerous for widespread exploitation.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a classic heap overflow attack vector where maliciously crafted Director files containing specially constructed DEMX chunks can trigger memory corruption. When the TextXtra.x32 module processes these chunks without proper bounds checking or buffer reallocation, it creates a scenario where attacker-controlled data can overwrite heap metadata or adjacent memory regions. This memory corruption can lead to arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the user running the Shockwave Player, effectively allowing remote code execution in the context of the affected application. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-121 as a heap-based buffer overflow, which is a well-documented weakness in memory management that has been consistently exploited in various security incidents throughout the industry.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with a persistent foothold in compromised systems. The widespread deployment of Shockwave Player across various platforms and its integration with web browsers makes this vulnerability particularly attractive to threat actors seeking to deliver malware or establish backdoors. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur through web-based delivery mechanisms, eliminating the need for physical access or social engineering. This characteristic aligns with ATT&CK technique T1193 which describes the use of malicious files delivered through web-based attacks, and T1059 which covers the execution of malicious code through system processes.
Security professionals should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems, as Adobe released Shockwave Player version 11.5.9.615 to address this vulnerability. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to limit exposure of systems running Shockwave Player, particularly in high-risk environments. The vulnerability highlights the importance of regular security updates and the risks associated with legacy multimedia plugins that continue to be deployed in enterprise environments. Additionally, security monitoring should focus on detecting attempts to load Shockwave content from untrusted sources, as this vulnerability can be exploited through various attack vectors including malicious websites, email attachments, and file sharing networks. The remediation process requires careful consideration of compatibility issues, as Shockwave Player was often integrated into enterprise applications and web content, necessitating thorough testing of patches before widespread deployment.