CVE-2011-0555 in Shockwave Player
Summary
by MITRE
The TextXtra.x32 module in Adobe Shockwave Player before 11.5.9.620 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (heap memory corruption) via a Director file with a crafted DEMX RIFF chunk that triggers incorrect buffer allocation, a different vulnerability than CVE-2010-4093, CVE-2010-4187, CVE-2010-4190, CVE-2010-4191, CVE-2010-4192, and CVE-2010-4306.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/16/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-0555 represents a critical heap memory corruption flaw within Adobe Shockwave Player's TextXtra.x32 module. This issue affects versions prior to 11.5.9.620 and demonstrates how multimedia content processing can lead to remote code execution or denial of service conditions. The vulnerability specifically targets the handling of Director files through a malformed DEMX RIFF chunk structure, which creates an exploitable condition in the application's memory management system.
The technical exploitation occurs when the TextXtra.x32 module processes a specially crafted Director file containing a malformed DEMX RIFF chunk. This chunk triggers incorrect buffer allocation during the parsing process, leading to heap memory corruption that can be leveraged by remote attackers. The flaw operates at the memory management level where insufficient input validation allows attackers to manipulate buffer boundaries and overwrite critical memory regions. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-122 category for heap-based buffer overflow, which represents a well-documented class of memory corruption vulnerabilities that have been extensively studied in cybersecurity literature.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant risk to organizations relying on Shockwave Player for multimedia content delivery. The remote exploitation capability means that attackers can compromise systems simply by having users view malicious content, making it particularly dangerous in web browsing contexts. The denial of service component can be used to disrupt legitimate service availability, while the arbitrary code execution potential allows for full system compromise. This vulnerability is particularly concerning as it affects a widely deployed multimedia plugin that was commonly used in enterprise environments, educational institutions, and web applications.
The attack vector for this vulnerability is particularly sophisticated as it requires crafting a specific Director file format with a malformed DEMX RIFF chunk that appears legitimate to the parser but triggers the memory corruption. Attackers can deliver this through various means including malicious websites, email attachments, or compromised web applications that serve Shockwave content. The vulnerability's classification aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203 for Exploitation for Client Execution, where attackers leverage application vulnerabilities to execute malicious code on target systems. Organizations should consider this vulnerability in their threat modeling exercises as it represents a classic example of how legacy multimedia plugins can become attack vectors in modern security environments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-0555 primarily focus on immediate patch deployment for Adobe Shockwave Player versions prior to 11.5.9.620, which addresses the buffer allocation issue in the TextXtra.x32 module. Network administrators should implement strict content filtering measures to prevent execution of untrusted Director files, particularly those with DEMX RIFF chunks. Disabling Shockwave Player plugins in web browsers and implementing application whitelisting policies can provide additional defense layers. Organizations should also consider network segmentation to limit potential lateral movement if exploitation occurs, and maintain comprehensive monitoring for suspicious file execution patterns. The vulnerability underscores the importance of keeping multimedia plugins updated and highlights the risks associated with legacy software components that continue to be deployed in enterprise environments despite known security issues.