CVE-2010-4196 in Shockwave Player
Summary
by MITRE
The Shockwave 3d Asset module in Adobe Shockwave Player before 11.5.9.620 does not properly validate unspecified input data, which allows attackers to execute arbitrary code via unknown vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/02/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-4196 resides within Adobe Shockwave Player's 3D Asset module, representing a critical security flaw that has significant implications for system integrity and user safety. This issue affects versions prior to 11.5.9.620 and demonstrates how legacy multimedia software components can harbor dangerous vulnerabilities that persist for extended periods. The flaw specifically involves inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly examine or sanitize data received from various sources, creating potential entry points for malicious actors to compromise affected systems.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from the Shockwave Player's failure to adequately validate unspecified input data within its 3D Asset processing functionality. This weakness allows attackers to craft specially designed payloads that exploit the validation gap, enabling arbitrary code execution on vulnerable systems. The unspecified nature of the input data suggests that the vulnerability may be triggered through multiple vectors including web-based content, local files, or network-based attacks. The lack of proper validation creates a pathway where malicious data can bypass normal security checks and directly influence the application's execution flow, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a substantial risk to organizations and individual users who have legacy Shockwave Player installations. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that Shockwave Player was widely distributed and used across various platforms, making the potential impact of exploitation widespread. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability through drive-by downloads, malicious web content, or spear-phishing campaigns targeting users with outdated Shockwave installations. The arbitrary code execution capability provides attackers with complete control over affected systems, enabling them to install malware, steal sensitive data, or establish persistent access points for further exploitation.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-20, which describes improper input validation as a fundamental weakness that allows attackers to manipulate application behavior through malicious data inputs. This classification underscores the severity of the issue and its alignment with well-established security patterns that have been documented in numerous other high-profile vulnerabilities. The ATT&CK framework would categorize this vulnerability under initial access and execution phases, potentially enabling adversaries to establish footholds within target environments. The exploitation of such vulnerabilities often leads to broader compromise as attackers can use the initial foothold to pivot through networks or deploy additional malicious payloads.
Organizations should prioritize immediate remediation of this vulnerability by updating to Adobe Shockwave Player version 11.5.9.620 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the input validation flaws. System administrators should conduct comprehensive inventory assessments to identify all systems running vulnerable versions and implement mandatory update policies. Additionally, network administrators should consider implementing web filtering controls and content inspection mechanisms to prevent access to potentially malicious Shockwave content. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify any remaining legacy installations that may pose similar risks. The remediation process should also include user education regarding the dangers of running outdated software and the importance of keeping multimedia applications updated to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities.