CVE-2015-3038 in Flash Player
Summary
by MITRE
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 or cause a denial of service (memory corruption) via unspecified vectors, a different vulnerability than CVE-2015-0347, CVE-2015-0350, CVE-2015-0352, CVE-2015-0353, CVE-2015-0354, CVE-2015-0355, CVE-2015-0360, CVE-2015-3041, CVE-2015-3042, and CVE-2015-3043.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/06/2022
Adobe Flash Player versions prior to 13.0.0.281 on Windows and OS X, and versions 14.x through 17.x before 17.0.0.169 on these platforms, along with versions before 11.2.202.457 on Linux, contained a critical memory corruption vulnerability that enabled remote code execution and denial of service attacks. This vulnerability represents a distinct flaw from several other reported issues in the same timeframe, specifically excluding CVE-2015-0347 through CVE-2015-3043, indicating it was a separate and independently exploitable weakness. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of memory operations within the Flash Player runtime environment, creating opportunities for attackers to manipulate memory structures through crafted malicious content delivered via web browsers or other Flash-enabled applications. The flaw manifests as a memory corruption issue that can be exploited by attackers who craft specially designed flash content or web pages that trigger the vulnerable code paths during content parsing or rendering operations. This type of vulnerability falls under the common weakness enumeration CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions, and CWE-787, which covers out-of-bounds write conditions, both of which are typical manifestations of memory corruption flaws. The attack surface for this vulnerability extends across multiple operating systems including Windows, OS X, and Linux platforms, though the specific version restrictions indicate targeted exploitation windows for each platform. From an operational perspective, this vulnerability represents a significant risk to organizations relying on Flash Player for content delivery, as it enables attackers to execute arbitrary code on vulnerable systems without requiring user interaction beyond visiting a malicious webpage. The memory corruption aspect of this vulnerability aligns with the attack technique described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, specifically within the context of exploitation techniques that leverage memory corruption to gain unauthorized system access. The impact of successful exploitation includes complete system compromise, data exfiltration capabilities, and potential persistence mechanisms that attackers can establish through the executed malicious code. Organizations utilizing affected Flash Player versions face substantial risk of targeted attacks, particularly in environments where Flash content remains enabled and actively used for business operations. The vulnerability's potential for remote code execution makes it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where users may encounter malicious content through legitimate web browsing activities, email attachments, or compromised websites. The remediation approach requires immediate patching of Flash Player installations to versions 13.0.0.281 or later for Windows and OS X, 17.0.0.169 or later for the affected 17.x versions, and 11.2.202.457 or later for Linux platforms. Additionally, security administrators should implement browser security measures including disabling Flash content by default, implementing content filtering solutions, and monitoring for suspicious Flash-related activity in network traffic. The vulnerability demonstrates the ongoing challenges in Flash Player security and the importance of maintaining up-to-date software components, particularly those with extensive attack surfaces and complex runtime environments that handle untrusted content from multiple sources. This particular flaw underscores the need for comprehensive vulnerability management programs that address not only known exploits but also the broader ecosystem of potentially vulnerable software components that organizations continue to rely upon for legacy functionality.