CVE-2014-9163 in Flash Player
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in Adobe Flash Player before 13.0.0.259 and 14.x and 15.x before 15.0.0.246 on Windows and OS X and before 11.2.202.425 on Linux allows attackers to execute arbitrary code via unspecified vectors, as exploited in the wild in December 2014.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/22/2026
The CVE-2014-9163 vulnerability represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw discovered in Adobe Flash Player versions prior to specific patches across multiple operating systems. This vulnerability affects Flash Player versions 13.0.0.258 and earlier, 14.x versions, 15.x versions before 15.0.0.246, and Linux versions before 11.2.202.424. The flaw manifests in the way Flash Player handles certain data structures during processing, creating an exploitable condition that allows attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The vulnerability was actively exploited in the wild during December 2014, demonstrating its significance and the immediate threat it posed to users worldwide. This type of buffer overflow vulnerability falls under the CWE-121 category of stack-based buffer overflow, where insufficient bounds checking allows data to overwrite adjacent memory locations on the stack.
The technical exploitation of CVE-2014-9163 occurs when Flash Player processes malformed or specially crafted input data within SWF files or other media content. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability by delivering malicious content through web browsers or other applications that utilize Flash Player, triggering the buffer overflow condition when the player attempts to store data beyond the allocated stack buffer space. The overflow enables attackers to overwrite return addresses and other critical stack variables, allowing them to redirect program execution to malicious code injected into the memory space. This exploitation technique aligns with ATT&CK tactic T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, where adversaries use compromised applications to execute malicious payloads. The vulnerability's presence in multiple Flash Player versions across different operating systems including Windows, OS X, and Linux demonstrates the widespread impact and the need for comprehensive patch management across all affected platforms.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-9163 extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with a persistent foothold within compromised systems. Once successfully exploited, the vulnerability enables attackers to perform a range of malicious activities including data exfiltration, system reconnaissance, and deployment of additional malware payloads. The fact that this vulnerability was exploited in the wild during December 2014 indicates that attackers were actively leveraging it for various cyber operations, making it a significant concern for enterprise security teams. Organizations running unpatched Flash Player installations faced immediate risk of compromise, with the vulnerability potentially serving as an initial access vector for more sophisticated attacks. The widespread adoption of Flash Player across web browsers and applications made this vulnerability particularly dangerous, as it could be exploited through numerous attack vectors including web-based phishing campaigns, malicious advertisements, and compromised websites that delivered malicious SWF content.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-9163 primarily focus on immediate patch deployment and application of Adobe's security updates. Organizations should prioritize updating Flash Player to versions 13.0.0.259, 14.x, 15.0.0.246, and Linux versions 11.2.202.425 or later, ensuring all systems receive the necessary security fixes. Additional defensive measures include implementing browser security restrictions, disabling Flash Player in web browsers, and employing network-based security controls such as intrusion detection systems that can detect exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's classification under CWE-121 and its exploitation pattern align with ATT&CK techniques for privilege escalation and persistence, making comprehensive monitoring and response procedures essential. Security teams should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies to prevent execution of untrusted Flash content and maintain regular vulnerability assessments to identify any remaining unpatched systems within their environments. Given the historical nature of this vulnerability, organizations should also review their legacy system support policies and consider migrating away from Flash-based content entirely, as Adobe officially discontinued Flash Player at the end of 2020, making continued use of vulnerable versions increasingly risky.