CVE-2011-2444 in Flash Player
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in Adobe Flash Player before 10.3.183.10 on Windows, Mac OS X, Linux, and Solaris, and before 10.3.186.7 on Android, allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via a crafted URL, related to a "universal cross-site scripting issue," as exploited in the wild in September 2011.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/16/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-2444 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw in Adobe Flash Player versions prior to specific patches across multiple operating systems. This vulnerability specifically affects Windows, Mac OS X, Linux, and Solaris platforms with Flash Player versions before 10.3.183.10, while Android versions before 10.3.186.7 remain susceptible. The flaw enables remote attackers to execute malicious code through crafted URLs that can inject arbitrary web scripts or HTML content into vulnerable applications, making it particularly dangerous in web browsing environments where users frequently interact with third-party content.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation within Adobe Flash Player's handling of URL parameters and web content. When Flash Player processes maliciously crafted URLs, it fails to properly sanitize or escape user-supplied data before rendering it within the browser context. This universal cross-site scripting issue affects multiple Flash Player components and can be exploited through various attack vectors including malicious websites, email attachments, or compromised web applications that utilize Flash content. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and leverages the trust relationship between the browser and Flash Player to execute unauthorized code.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-2444 is severe and multifaceted, as it allows attackers to bypass standard security controls and execute arbitrary code on vulnerable systems. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to perform session hijacking, steal user credentials, redirect users to malicious sites, or inject malware into the victim's browsing environment. The exploitation occurred in the wild during September 2011, indicating that this vulnerability was actively targeted by threat actors. The cross-platform nature of the vulnerability means that organizations with diverse operating system environments face similar risks, making it particularly challenging to secure against such attacks.
Security professionals should implement immediate mitigation strategies including updating Adobe Flash Player to patched versions 10.3.183.10 for Windows, Mac OS X, Linux, and Solaris platforms, and 10.3.186.7 for Android devices. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and content security policies to detect and block malicious URL patterns. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 which describes cross-site scripting flaws, and can be categorized under ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for script-based execution. Additionally, administrators should disable Flash Player in browsers where possible and monitor network traffic for suspicious URL patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Regular vulnerability assessments and security updates remain essential for maintaining protection against similar future vulnerabilities in Flash Player and other multimedia applications.