CVE-2010-3655 in Shockwave Player
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in dirapi.dll in Adobe Shockwave Player before 11.5.9.615 allows attackers to execute arbitrary code via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/28/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-3655 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within the dirapi.dll component of Adobe Shockwave Player versions prior to 11.5.9.615. This type of vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-121, which specifically addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations on the program stack. The flaw manifests in the Shockwave Player's handling of certain data structures, particularly when processing multimedia content that utilizes the dirapi.dll library for directory and file operations.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through unspecified vectors that likely involve malformed or specially crafted Shockwave content files. When the vulnerable Shockwave Player processes such content, the buffer overflow allows an attacker to overwrite the stack frame of the executing process, potentially corrupting return addresses and control flow information. This memory corruption can be leveraged to redirect program execution to malicious code injected by the attacker, effectively enabling arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the affected user. The stack-based nature of the vulnerability means that the overflow specifically targets the program's stack memory region, which contains function return addresses, local variables, and other critical execution context information.
The operational impact of CVE-2010-3655 extends beyond simple code execution, as it represents a significant elevation of privileges and potential system compromise. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to install malware, modify system files, or establish persistent backdoors within affected systems. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where Shockwave Player may be widely deployed, as a single compromised system could serve as a foothold for broader network infiltration. According to MITRE ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving code injection and privilege escalation, specifically targeting the execution of malicious code through compromised applications. The attack surface is further expanded by the widespread use of Shockwave Player in web browsers and multimedia applications, making it an attractive target for exploit development.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-3655 primarily focus on immediate remediation through patch management and application of Adobe's security updates. Organizations should prioritize updating to Adobe Shockwave Player version 11.5.9.615 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the buffer overflow condition. Additional defensive measures include implementing application whitelisting policies to restrict execution of untrusted Shockwave content, disabling Shockwave Player plugins in web browsers, and deploying network-based intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of regular security assessments and vulnerability management programs, as it demonstrates how legacy multimedia plugins can remain vulnerable to exploitation long after their initial release. Security professionals should also consider implementing sandboxing mechanisms for any remaining Shockwave Player installations to limit potential damage from successful exploitation attempts.