CVE-2011-0608 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-2011-0573, CVE-2011-0574, CVE-2011-0578, and CVE-2011-0607.
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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 from several other Flash Player flaws documented in the same timeframe, indicating a broader class of memory management issues within the player's codebase. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of memory operations during Flash content processing, creating opportunities for attackers to manipulate memory structures through maliciously crafted Flash files or web content. The memory corruption occurs when the player processes certain Flash objects or data structures, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution in the context of the user's browser session. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-119 weakness category, which encompasses issues related to improper restriction of operations within the bounds of a memory buffer. The attack surface is particularly concerning given Flash Player's widespread deployment and its role as a primary vector for multimedia content delivery across web browsers. Security researchers have identified that the vulnerability can be exploited through various methods including malformed SWF files, crafted JavaScript interactions with Flash objects, or manipulated data streams that cause the player to improperly allocate or access memory regions. The impact extends beyond simple denial of service to potentially enable full system compromise when attackers can achieve code execution within the Flash Player process. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter usage, as attackers may leverage the memory corruption to inject and execute malicious code. The threat landscape for this vulnerability is particularly dangerous because Flash Player runs with the privileges of the user, meaning successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise. The vulnerability's classification as a memory corruption issue places it within the broader category of heap-based buffer overflows and use-after-free conditions that have historically proven difficult to detect and prevent. Organizations using older versions of Flash Player face significant risk as these vulnerabilities often remain unpatched in legacy environments, creating persistent attack vectors for threat actors. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website or opening a specially crafted document, making it particularly dangerous in targeted attack scenarios.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the Flash Player's ActionScript virtual machine and its underlying memory management systems. When processing certain Flash content, the player's memory allocator may fail to properly validate input data or maintain proper bounds checking for dynamic memory allocations. This failure allows attackers to craft malicious Flash content that can overwrite memory locations beyond intended boundaries, potentially corrupting critical data structures or executable code. The memory corruption can manifest through various mechanisms including stack overflows, heap corruption, or pointer manipulation that leads to unpredictable program behavior. The vulnerability's exploitation requires precise control over memory layout and data structures, suggesting that attackers may need to perform additional reconnaissance to identify suitable targets within the player's memory space. The lack of specific vector details in the CVE description indicates that this vulnerability may be exploitable through multiple attack paths, increasing its overall risk profile and making it more challenging to defend against through traditional signature-based detection methods. This characteristic aligns with the ATT&CK framework's T1203 technique for legitimate program execution, as the vulnerability may be leveraged to execute malicious payloads through legitimate Flash Player processes.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily focus on immediate patching and deployment of Adobe's security updates. Organizations should prioritize updating to Flash Player 10.2.152.26 or later versions that contain the necessary memory management fixes. Additionally, implementing browser security controls such as disabling Flash Player plugins, using content security policies, and deploying web application firewalls can provide additional defense layers. Network-level protections should include monitoring for suspicious Flash content patterns and implementing sandboxing techniques to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. Security teams should also consider implementing endpoint detection and response solutions that can identify anomalous memory access patterns or process behavior indicative of exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's nature suggests that traditional antivirus solutions may be insufficient for detection, requiring more advanced behavioral analysis approaches. Organizations should also conduct regular security assessments to identify legacy systems running vulnerable Flash Player versions and ensure proper remediation. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing of patched versions to ensure compatibility with existing applications while maintaining security posture. Given the complexity of the vulnerability and its potential for exploitation, security teams should implement layered defenses that include both preventive measures and detection capabilities to address the full spectrum of potential attack scenarios.