CVE-2011-0577 in Flash Player
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in Adobe Flash Player before 10.2.152.26 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted font.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/26/2025
Adobe Flash Player version 10.2.152.26 and earlier contained a critical vulnerability that enabled remote code execution through the processing of malformed font files. This vulnerability exploited a memory corruption issue within the font handling mechanisms of the Flash Player runtime environment, specifically affecting how the player parsed and rendered font data. The flaw existed in the way Flash Player managed font resources when processing specially crafted font files, creating a condition where attacker-controlled input could overwrite memory locations and potentially execute malicious code with the privileges of the Flash Player process.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with common software security weaknesses such as buffer overflows and memory corruption issues that are classified under CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions, and CWE-787, which covers out-of-bounds write operations. The attack vector involved delivering a malicious font file through web content or other delivery mechanisms, where the Flash Player would attempt to render the font and trigger the memory corruption. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited through web browsers without requiring any user interaction beyond visiting a compromised website, making it a prime target for drive-by download attacks.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability created significant risk for organizations relying on Flash Player for web content delivery, as it could be leveraged by attackers to gain unauthorized access to systems. The remote code execution capability meant that attackers could install malware, steal sensitive data, or establish persistent access to compromised systems. The vulnerability was particularly concerning because Flash Player was widely deployed across enterprise environments and consumer systems, amplifying the potential impact of exploitation. Security researchers noted that the vulnerability could be chained with other exploits to create more sophisticated attack scenarios, making it a valuable target for advanced persistent threat actors.
Organizations should have implemented immediate mitigation strategies including the deployment of the patched Flash Player version 10.2.152.26 or later, which contained the necessary fixes to address the font parsing vulnerability. Network administrators were advised to implement web content filtering and sandboxing measures to reduce the risk of exploitation, while security teams should have monitored for indicators of compromise related to this vulnerability. The remediation process required careful consideration of compatibility issues, as many legacy applications depended on older Flash Player versions. Additionally, organizations should have reviewed their incident response procedures to ensure preparedness for potential exploitation attempts. This vulnerability highlighted the importance of regular security updates and the risks associated with legacy software components, particularly in enterprise environments where software lifecycle management is critical for maintaining security posture against evolving threats. The incident reinforced the need for comprehensive vulnerability management programs that include timely patch deployment and continuous monitoring for emerging threats.