CVE-2015-0358 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-2015-0349, CVE-2015-0351, and CVE-2015-3039.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/06/2022
The CVE-2015-0358 vulnerability represents a critical use-after-free flaw in Adobe Flash Player affecting multiple version ranges across different operating systems. This vulnerability specifically impacts 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 enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary code through unspecified vectors, making it a significant threat to system security and user safety.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper memory management within the Flash Player runtime environment. A use-after-free condition occurs when a program continues to reference memory that has already been freed, creating a potential exploitation vector for malicious actors. This particular flaw falls under the CWE-416 category of "Use After Free" vulnerabilities, which are classified as critical security weaknesses in software applications. The vulnerability operates at the memory management level, where the Flash Player fails to properly validate memory references after objects have been destroyed, allowing attackers to manipulate freed memory locations for code execution purposes.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-0358 extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with a pathway to achieve complete system compromise. The vulnerability's presence in widely deployed Flash Player versions across multiple platforms creates extensive attack surface, particularly targeting users who have not updated their Flash Player installations. Attackers can leverage this flaw through various delivery mechanisms including malicious web pages, infected email attachments, or compromised websites that utilize Flash content. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution flaw means that successful exploitation does not require physical access to the target system, making it particularly dangerous for enterprise environments and individual users alike.
Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in the context of the broader ATT&CK framework, specifically under the T1059.007 technique for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript" as Flash Player's scripting capabilities can be abused to deliver malicious payloads. The vulnerability also aligns with T1203 techniques for "Exploitation for Client Execution" and T1068 for "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation." Organizations should implement immediate mitigation strategies including mandatory Flash Player updates, browser sandboxing configurations, and network-based restrictions that prevent Flash content execution in high-risk environments. Additionally, security teams should monitor for indicators of compromise related to this vulnerability and consider implementing application whitelisting policies to prevent execution of untrusted Flash content. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of keeping multimedia plugins updated and maintaining comprehensive patch management processes to protect against known exploitation vectors in widely used software components.