CVE-2011-0573 in Flash Player
Summary
by MITRE
Adobe Flash Player before 10.2.152.26 allows attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (memory corruption) via unspecified vectors, a different vulnerability than CVE-2011-0559, CVE-2011-0560, CVE-2011-0561, CVE-2011-0571, CVE-2011-0572, CVE-2011-0574, CVE-2011-0578, CVE-2011-0607, and CVE-2011-0608.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/26/2025
Adobe Flash Player version 10.2.152.26 and earlier contains a memory corruption vulnerability that enables remote code execution or denial of service attacks through unspecified attack vectors. This vulnerability represents a distinct threat model from several other Flash Player flaws identified in the same timeframe, indicating a complex attack surface within the multimedia framework. The memory corruption issue arises from improper handling of certain data structures during Flash Player processing, creating opportunities for attackers to manipulate memory layout and execute malicious code remotely. The vulnerability demonstrates characteristics consistent with heap-based buffer overflows or use-after-free conditions that are commonly classified under CWE-119 memory corruption weaknesses, making it particularly dangerous for web-based exploitation. Attackers can leverage this flaw by crafting malicious Flash content that, when loaded by an affected Flash Player version, triggers the memory corruption and allows for arbitrary code execution within the context of the user's session. The implications extend beyond simple code execution to include potential privilege escalation and system compromise, as the Flash Player process typically runs with user-level privileges but has extensive access to system resources. This vulnerability affects the broader Adobe Flash ecosystem and demonstrates the inherent security challenges in multimedia processing frameworks that must handle untrusted input from web sources. The memory corruption nature of this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter execution, where attackers could potentially use the exploited Flash Player as a launch point for further system compromise. Organizations deploying Flash Player should consider immediate patching to address this vulnerability, as the attack surface remains significant due to the widespread use of Flash Player across enterprise environments. The vulnerability's classification as a memory corruption issue also suggests potential exploitation through advanced techniques such as return-oriented programming or stack spraying, which are commonly documented in cybersecurity threat intelligence reports for similar Flash Player vulnerabilities. Security teams must understand that this vulnerability operates independently from other Flash Player flaws, requiring separate mitigation strategies and monitoring approaches. The lack of specific vector details in the CVE description indicates that the vulnerability may be exploitable through multiple attack paths, making it particularly challenging to defend against without comprehensive patch management and runtime protection measures. This vulnerability type is particularly concerning because it can be triggered through web browsers without requiring user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website, making it a prime target for drive-by download attacks. The security community should recognize this as part of a broader pattern of Flash Player vulnerabilities that have historically required frequent patching due to the complex nature of multimedia processing and the inherent risks of handling untrusted binary data streams. Organizations should implement layered security approaches including browser sandboxing, content filtering, and regular security assessments to protect against this and similar memory corruption vulnerabilities in multimedia frameworks. The vulnerability's presence in older Flash Player versions also indicates that legacy systems may be particularly susceptible to exploitation, emphasizing the importance of phasing out Flash Player support in favor of modern web standards that provide better security guarantees through built-in sandboxing and memory protection mechanisms.