CVE-2010-2589 in Shockwave Player
Summary
by MITRE
Integer overflow in the dirapi.dll module in Adobe Shockwave Player before 11.5.9.620 allows attackers to execute arbitrary code via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/26/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-2589 represents a critical integer overflow flaw within the dirapi.dll module of Adobe Shockwave Player versions prior to 11.5.9.620. This issue falls under the CWE-190 category of integer overflow, where an application fails to properly handle arithmetic operations that exceed the maximum value representable by the data type. The vulnerability specifically affects the Shockwave Player's handling of directory API functions, which are used to process multimedia content and interactive elements within web browsers and desktop applications. The integer overflow occurs when the application processes certain input parameters that are intended to define array indices or buffer sizes, but due to improper validation, these values can exceed the maximum limits of the integer data type, resulting in unexpected behavior.
The exploitation of this vulnerability enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems through unspecified attack vectors that likely involve malicious Shockwave content embedded in web pages or downloaded files. The integer overflow in dirapi.dll creates a condition where attacker-controlled data can manipulate memory layout and control flow, potentially leading to privilege escalation or complete system compromise. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be triggered through web browsing activities without requiring user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website. The attack surface is broad as Shockwave Player was widely distributed and supported various multimedia formats including interactive content, animations, and games that could be leveraged for exploitation. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic buffer overflow scenario where integer arithmetic results in insufficient memory allocation, creating opportunities for memory corruption and code execution.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risk to organizations relying on Shockwave Player for multimedia content delivery, particularly in environments where users may encounter untrusted web content. The impact extends beyond individual user systems to potentially affect entire enterprise networks, as compromised systems can serve as entry points for broader attacks. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal user interaction and can be automated, making it attractive to threat actors. Organizations using older versions of Shockwave Player face increased exposure to cyber threats, as the integer overflow creates multiple potential attack paths through web-based delivery mechanisms. Security teams must consider the implications of this vulnerability in their risk assessment frameworks, particularly when evaluating legacy software support and patch management strategies.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-2589 primarily focus on immediate remediation through patch application, with Adobe releasing version 11.5.9.620 to address the integer overflow in dirapi.dll. System administrators should prioritize updating all affected Shockwave Player installations and consider implementing network-level controls to block or monitor Shockwave content delivery. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203 (Exploitation for Client Execution) and T1059 (Command and Scripting Interpreter) as attackers can leverage the integer overflow to execute malicious code through command injection or script-based attacks. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies to prevent execution of untrusted Shockwave content, combined with regular security assessments to identify other potentially vulnerable legacy applications. Additionally, network segmentation and monitoring solutions should be configured to detect unusual network traffic patterns associated with exploitation attempts, as the integer overflow may generate specific network signatures during attack execution phases. The vulnerability underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and demonstrates how legacy software components can create persistent security risks when not properly maintained.