CVE-2011-2416 in Flash Player
Summary
by MITRE
Integer overflow in Adobe Flash Player before 10.3.183.5 on Windows, Mac OS X, Linux, and Solaris and before 10.3.186.3 on Android, and Adobe AIR before 2.7.1 on Windows and Mac OS X and before 2.7.1.1961 on Android, allows attackers to execute arbitrary code via unspecified vectors, a different vulnerability than CVE-2011-2136 and CVE-2011-2138.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/17/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-2416 represents a critical integer overflow flaw affecting Adobe Flash Player and Adobe AIR across multiple operating systems and platforms. This vulnerability exists in Flash Player versions prior to 10.3.183.5 on Windows, Mac OS X, Linux, and Solaris, as well as in versions before 10.3.186.3 on Android devices. Additionally, Adobe AIR versions before 2.7.1 on Windows and Mac OS X, and before 2.7.1.1961 on Android are also affected by this issue. The integer overflow vulnerability stems from improper handling of integer values during memory allocation and buffer operations within the Flash Player runtime environment, creating a condition where attackers can manipulate integer variables to exceed their maximum allowable values.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through unspecified attack vectors that leverage the integer overflow to corrupt memory structures and potentially execute arbitrary code on vulnerable systems. This type of flaw falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-190, which specifically addresses integer overflow conditions that can lead to buffer overflows and other memory corruption issues. The vulnerability allows attackers to manipulate the Flash Player's memory management functions, potentially leading to heap-based buffer overflows or stack corruption scenarios that can be exploited to gain control over the affected system. The attack surface is particularly concerning given Flash Player's widespread deployment across multiple platforms and operating systems, making the exploitation potential for this vulnerability substantial.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability presents significant security risks to organizations and individual users who have vulnerable versions of Flash Player or AIR installed. The ability to execute arbitrary code remotely through Flash content means that attackers can potentially install malware, establish backdoors, or perform other malicious activities on compromised systems. The vulnerability's presence across multiple platforms including mobile operating systems like Android further amplifies its threat potential, as it affects both desktop and mobile computing environments. Organizations relying on Flash-based content for web applications, multimedia presentations, or interactive media are particularly at risk, as the exploitation can occur through standard web browsing activities without requiring user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website.
The mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-2416 primarily involve immediate patching of affected Adobe Flash Player and AIR installations to the latest secure versions. System administrators should prioritize updating all vulnerable systems and implementing network monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, which covers exploitation of software vulnerabilities, and T1059, which involves command and script interpreters. Organizations should also consider implementing additional security controls such as browser sandboxing, content filtering, and disabling Flash Player in web browsers where possible. The remediation process should include thorough testing of patched versions to ensure compatibility with existing applications while maintaining security posture. Regular vulnerability assessments and security monitoring are essential to identify and remediate similar issues in other Adobe products and third-party software components that may be susceptible to similar integer overflow vulnerabilities.