CVE-2012-0753 in Flash Player
Summary
by MITRE
Adobe Flash Player before 10.3.183.15 and 11.x before 11.1.102.62 on Windows, Mac OS X, Linux, and Solaris; before 11.1.111.6 on Android 2.x and 3.x; and before 11.1.115.6 on Android 4.x allows attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (memory corruption) via crafted MP4 data.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/30/2021
Adobe Flash Player versions prior to specific patched releases contained a critical memory corruption vulnerability that enabled remote code execution through specially crafted MP4 media files. This vulnerability affects multiple operating systems including Windows, Mac OS X, Linux, and Solaris, as well as various Android versions. The flaw resides in how Flash Player processes MP4 video containers, specifically when handling malformed or maliciously constructed media data that triggers buffer overflow conditions in memory management routines. The vulnerability operates at the core level of Flash Player's multimedia processing engine where it parses video headers and frame data, creating opportunities for attackers to manipulate memory layout and execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected application. The memory corruption occurs during the parsing of MP4 metadata structures, particularly when processing extended video headers or compressed frame data that exceeds allocated buffer boundaries. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, heap-based buffer overflow, and CWE-787, out-of-bounds write, representing fundamental memory safety issues in the application's input validation and data processing mechanisms. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability by delivering malicious MP4 files through various attack vectors including web browsers, email attachments, or compromised websites that automatically trigger Flash Player's media processing capabilities. The operational impact includes complete system compromise when exploited successfully, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary commands, install malware, or establish persistent backdoors. The vulnerability affects the entire Flash Player ecosystem since MP4 is a widely supported video format, making it particularly dangerous as it can be embedded in web pages, email messages, or any content that Flash Player processes. The exploitation requires minimal user interaction beyond viewing a malicious webpage or opening an infected file, making it highly dangerous in targeted attacks. Organizations should immediately apply the vendor patches released for Flash Player versions 10.3.183.15, 11.1.102.62, 11.1.111.6, and 11.1.115.6 respectively. The mitigation strategy should include disabling Flash Player in web browsers, implementing network-based intrusion detection systems to monitor for malicious MP4 traffic, and conducting comprehensive vulnerability assessments of systems that still require Flash Player functionality. Additionally, security teams should consider implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict Flash Player execution to trusted environments only. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1203, Exploitation for Client Execution, and T1059, Command and Scripting Interpreter, as attackers can leverage the vulnerability to execute commands through Flash Player's runtime environment. Organizations should also implement regular security updates and patch management processes to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being exploited in the future. The broader implications extend to the entire Flash Player ecosystem, as this vulnerability demonstrates the inherent risks of complex multimedia processing engines and highlights the importance of robust memory safety mechanisms in widely deployed software components.