CVE-2010-2866 in Shockwave Player
Summary
by MITRE
Integer signedness error in the DIRAPI module in Adobe Shockwave Player before 11.5.8.612 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (memory corruption) or execute arbitrary code via a count value associated with an "undocumented structure" and the tSAC chunk in a Director movie.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/30/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-2866 represents a critical integer signedness error within Adobe Shockwave Player's DIRAPI module, affecting versions prior to 11.5.8.612. This flaw exists in the handling of count values associated with undocumented structures and specifically the tSAC chunk within Director movie files. The issue stems from improper validation of signed integer values during parsing operations, creating a condition where attacker-controlled data can manipulate memory layout and execution flow. Such vulnerabilities typically fall under CWE-190, Integer Overflow or Wraparound, and more specifically relate to CWE-191, Integer Underflow, when negative values are improperly handled. The vulnerability operates at the intersection of memory corruption and code execution, making it particularly dangerous in the context of web-based attacks where users might unknowingly encounter malicious Shockwave content.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when a malicious Director movie file is loaded through Shockwave Player, specifically targeting the tSAC chunk parsing functionality. The integer signedness error manifests when a count value in the undocumented structure is manipulated to negative values or exceeds expected ranges, causing the application to allocate insufficient memory or access invalid memory locations. This memory corruption can lead to arbitrary code execution when the application attempts to process the malformed data, or alternatively result in denial of service through memory corruption that crashes the application. The attack vector is remote, as the vulnerability can be triggered through web-based delivery of malicious Shockwave content, making it particularly concerning for widespread exploitation. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1203, Exploitation for Client Execution, and T1059, Command and Scripting Interpreter, when attackers leverage the code execution capability.
The operational impact of CVE-2010-2866 extends beyond simple denial of service to potentially enable full system compromise when exploited. The vulnerability affects users of Adobe Shockwave Player across multiple operating systems including Windows, Macintosh, and Linux platforms, making it a broad attack surface. Organizations with legacy Shockwave content in their environments face significant risk, as the vulnerability can be exploited through web browsers or standalone Shockwave players. The exploitation requires minimal user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website or opening a malicious file, making it particularly effective for social engineering campaigns. Security researchers have noted that the vulnerability's exploitation often requires precise control over the input data due to the complex nature of Shockwave file structures, but the potential for remote code execution makes it a high-priority target for threat actors. The vulnerability's classification as a memory corruption issue aligns with common exploitation techniques used in advanced persistent threats and zero-day attacks, where attackers seek to establish persistent access through code execution capabilities.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigation strategies including mandatory updates to Adobe Shockwave Player to version 11.5.8.612 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the integer signedness error. Network administrators should consider blocking Shockwave content through web proxies and content filtering systems, particularly in environments where Shockwave is not essential for business operations. The patching process should include comprehensive testing in controlled environments before deployment to ensure compatibility with existing Shockwave-based applications. Additional defensive measures include implementing sandboxing techniques for Shockwave content, using application whitelisting to restrict Shockwave Player execution, and monitoring network traffic for suspicious Shockwave-related activity. Security teams should also consider disabling Shockwave Player entirely in environments where it is not required, as the vulnerability represents a persistent risk that cannot be fully mitigated through network controls alone. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the widespread use of Shockwave Player in corporate and enterprise environments, making coordinated patch management essential for effective defense.