CVE-2012-2043 in Shockwave
Summary
by MITRE
Adobe Shockwave Player before 11.6.6.636 allows attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (memory corruption) via unspecified vectors, a different vulnerability than CVE-2012-2044, CVE-2012-2045, CVE-2012-2046, and CVE-2012-2047.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/27/2021
Adobe Shockwave Player version 11.6.6.636 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 model from other related CVEs in the same year, indicating that the flaw exists in a separate code path or component within the Shockwave Player runtime environment. The vulnerability stems from improper memory handling during the processing of Shockwave content, which can be triggered when users visit malicious websites or open compromised Shockwave files. The memory corruption aspect suggests that attackers can manipulate heap or stack memory structures to overwrite critical program data or execute malicious code within the context of the Shockwave Player process. This type of vulnerability typically arises from insufficient bounds checking, use of vulnerable functions such as memcpy or strcpy, or improper handling of user-supplied input within Shockwave content parsing routines. The impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple exploitation as it can lead to complete system compromise when combined with other attack vectors or when executed in conjunction with privilege escalation techniques. The vulnerability affects systems running affected versions of Adobe Shockwave Player across multiple operating systems including Windows, macOS, and Linux platforms where the player is installed. From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions, and CWE-787, which covers out-of-bounds write conditions. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that Shockwave Player was widely deployed across enterprise and consumer environments, making it an attractive target for attackers seeking persistent access to systems. The vulnerability's classification as a memory corruption issue places it within the ATT&CK framework under the T1059.007 technique for command and scripting interpreter, specifically when attackers leverage memory corruption to gain code execution capabilities. Organizations using Shockwave Player should consider immediate mitigation strategies including disabling the plugin in web browsers, implementing network-based controls to block Shockwave content, and applying the vendor-provided security patches. The vulnerability demonstrates the ongoing risks associated with legacy multimedia plugins and highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date software components. Legacy Shockwave Player installations pose significant risk due to the lack of security updates for newer versions, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where software updates are not regularly applied. The memory corruption characteristics of this vulnerability also align with common exploitation patterns found in the ATT&CK framework under T1068, which covers privilege escalation through memory corruption attacks, and T1190, which involves exploitation of remote services. Security professionals should monitor for indicators of compromise related to this vulnerability, particularly in environments where Shockwave Player remains active. The vulnerability's persistence in older versions underscores the critical need for organizations to maintain comprehensive software inventory management and ensure timely patch deployment across all systems. Given the nature of memory corruption vulnerabilities, attackers may also leverage this flaw in combination with other exploits to establish persistent backdoors or escalate privileges within compromised systems. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution threat means that successful exploitation could result in complete system compromise without requiring local access or user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website. From a risk management perspective, this vulnerability exemplifies the challenges organizations face when dealing with legacy software components that continue to operate in production environments despite known security risks. The impact of this vulnerability extends to both enterprise and consumer environments where Shockwave Player was commonly deployed for multimedia applications and interactive content delivery. Security teams should prioritize the remediation of this vulnerability through immediate patching or the complete removal of Shockwave Player from systems where it is not essential for business operations. The vulnerability's existence in the broader context of 2012 Adobe security issues demonstrates the pattern of memory corruption vulnerabilities that plagued multimedia plugins during that period, emphasizing the need for robust security practices in software development and deployment. Organizations should implement comprehensive monitoring for exploitation attempts targeting this vulnerability and consider network segmentation to limit the potential impact of successful attacks. The vulnerability's relationship to other CVEs in the same timeframe illustrates the complexity of addressing multiple security issues within a single software product and the importance of thorough vulnerability assessment and remediation planning.