CVE-2012-6271 in Shockwave Player
Summary
by MITRE
Adobe Shockwave Player through 11.6.8.638 allows remote attackers to trigger installation of arbitrary signed Xtras via a Shockwave movie that contains an Xtra URL, as demonstrated by a URL for an outdated Xtra.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/22/2024
Adobe Shockwave Player version 11.6.8.638 and earlier contains a critical vulnerability that enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary code through the automatic installation of signed Xtras. This vulnerability stems from the player's improper handling of Xtra URLs within Shockwave movies, specifically when the player encounters a URL pointing to an Xtra file that is either outdated or malicious. The flaw exists because the Shockwave Player automatically downloads and installs Xtras without proper validation of the source or integrity of the downloaded content, creating a persistent attack vector that can be exploited remotely through malicious Shockwave content.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the player's Xtra loading mechanism which does not adequately verify the authenticity or security of Xtra files before installation. When a Shockwave movie contains an Xtra URL, the player attempts to fetch and install the specified Xtra without performing cryptographic verification or source authentication checks. This behavior aligns with CWE-502 which describes deserialization of untrusted data, and represents a significant bypass of security controls that should normally prevent automatic installation of potentially malicious components. The vulnerability specifically targets the Xtra installation process, where signed Xtras are typically trusted by the system, but the attacker can manipulate the installation flow to install arbitrary code.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it allows attackers to execute arbitrary code on vulnerable systems with the privileges of the user running the Shockwave Player. This creates a persistent threat vector that can be leveraged for various malicious activities including information theft, system compromise, and deployment of additional malware. The attack requires only a user to view a malicious Shockwave movie, making it particularly dangerous in web environments where users may unknowingly encounter compromised content. This vulnerability has been classified under the attack technique T1195.001 in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, which covers the use of malicious content to deliver malware, and represents a classic example of a supply chain attack through legitimate software components.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include immediate patching of the Shockwave Player to version 11.6.9.639 or later, which addresses the Xtra installation bypass issue. Organizations should also implement network-level controls to block access to known malicious Xtra URLs and consider disabling Shockwave Player functionality in web browsers where possible. System administrators should monitor for suspicious Xtra installations and implement application whitelisting policies to prevent unauthorized Xtra execution. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and the principle of least privilege in software design, as the player should not automatically install components without explicit user consent or proper security verification. Additionally, users should be educated about the risks of viewing untrusted Shockwave content and the importance of keeping software updated to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities.