CVE-2011-2461 in Flex SDK
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the Adobe Flex SDK 3.x and 4.x before 4.6 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via vectors related to the loading of modules from different domains.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/27/2021
The CVE-2011-2461 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw in Adobe Flex SDK versions 3.x and 4.x prior to 4.6, exposing applications built with these frameworks to significant security risks. This vulnerability specifically targets the manner in which Flex applications handle module loading from different domains, creating a pathway for malicious actors to execute arbitrary web scripts or HTML content within the context of affected applications. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms during the module loading process, particularly when dealing with cross-domain requests that are common in rich internet applications built with Flex technology.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when Flex applications attempt to load modules from external domains without proper security checks. Attackers can craft malicious payloads that, when processed by the vulnerable SDK, get executed within the browser context of legitimate users interacting with the application. This cross-domain module loading functionality becomes a vector for injecting malicious scripts that can steal session cookies, perform unauthorized actions on behalf of users, or redirect them to malicious sites. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because Flex applications often run in trusted environments where users have elevated privileges, making the potential impact of such attacks significantly more severe.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability affects organizations that rely on Adobe Flex-based applications for business-critical functions, including enterprise portals, financial applications, and content management systems. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access to the target network. Security teams must consider that attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent access to user sessions, potentially leading to data breaches, unauthorized transactions, or complete system compromise. The impact extends beyond immediate script execution to include potential privilege escalation and lateral movement within networks where affected applications operate.
Organizations should prioritize immediate remediation by upgrading to Adobe Flex SDK version 4.6 or later, which includes proper input validation and cross-domain security controls. Additionally, implementing strict content security policies, validating all module loading operations, and monitoring for suspicious cross-domain requests can provide additional defense layers. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1566 for initial access through malicious web content. Security controls should also include web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious module loading patterns, as well as regular security assessments of Flex-based applications to identify similar vulnerabilities in custom implementations that may not have been addressed by the core SDK updates.