CVE-2015-0349 in Flash Player
Summary
by MITRE
Use-after-free vulnerability in Adobe Flash Player before 13.0.0.281 and 14.x through 17.x before 17.0.0.169 on Windows and OS X and before 11.2.202.457 on Linux allows attackers to execute arbitrary code via unspecified vectors, a different vulnerability than CVE-2015-0351, CVE-2015-0358, and CVE-2015-3039.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/04/2022
The CVE-2015-0349 vulnerability represents a critical use-after-free flaw in Adobe Flash Player that affected multiple versions across different operating systems. This vulnerability exists in Flash Player versions prior to 13.0.0.281 for Windows and OS X, versions 14.x through 17.x before 17.0.0.169 for Windows and OS X, and versions before 11.2.202.457 on Linux. The flaw stems from improper memory management within the Flash Player runtime environment where freed memory blocks are still referenced after their intended use period has ended. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-416 category of Use After Free, which is classified as a serious memory corruption vulnerability that can lead to arbitrary code execution.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts malicious Flash content that triggers a specific sequence of memory operations within the Flash Player. When the player processes this malicious content, it causes certain objects to be freed from memory while references to them remain active in the program's execution flow. This creates a scenario where an attacker can manipulate the freed memory location to point to malicious code, effectively allowing the execution of arbitrary commands on the target system. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be triggered through web browsers when users visit compromised websites or open malicious Flash files, making it a prime candidate for drive-by download attacks.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-0349 extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with a powerful foothold for further exploitation within compromised systems. The vulnerability's ability to execute arbitrary code means that attackers can potentially install malware, modify system files, steal sensitive data, or establish persistent backdoors. The widespread adoption of Adobe Flash Player across different platforms made this vulnerability particularly attractive to threat actors, as it could affect a large number of potential victims. Security researchers have noted that this vulnerability is often leveraged in conjunction with other exploits to create more sophisticated attack chains, as documented in various threat intelligence reports and ATT&CK framework mappings for technique T1059.007 which covers command and scripting interpreter.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-0349 primarily focus on immediate patching and system hardening measures. Organizations should prioritize updating Adobe Flash Player to versions 13.0.0.281 or later for Windows and OS X, 17.0.0.169 or later for Windows and OS X, and 11.2.202.457 or later for Linux. Additionally, implementing browser security measures such as disabling Flash plugin execution in web browsers, using sandboxing technologies, and deploying web application firewalls can significantly reduce the attack surface. Network-level protections including content filtering and intrusion detection systems can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of maintaining comprehensive patch management processes and conducting regular security assessments to identify and remediate similar memory corruption vulnerabilities in other software components.