CVE-2015-3042 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-2015-3038, CVE-2015-3041, and CVE-2015-3043.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/01/2024
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 the same platforms, as well as 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 threat vector from other recently disclosed Flash Player flaws, indicating a broader class of memory safety issues within the multimedia framework. The unspecified attack vectors suggest that multiple code paths within the Flash Player runtime were susceptible to heap corruption, buffer overflows, or other memory management flaws that could be exploited by malicious actors. This vulnerability operates under the Common Weakness Enumeration category of CWE-121, which encompasses heap-based buffer overflow conditions, making it particularly dangerous as attackers could potentially overwrite critical memory structures to execute arbitrary code. The attack surface is significantly expanded due to Flash Player's widespread deployment across enterprise and consumer environments, where it serves as a primary delivery mechanism for rich internet applications and multimedia content. The memory corruption nature of this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which involves the use of scripting languages for execution, as attackers could leverage the corrupted memory state to inject and execute malicious payloads. The impact extends beyond simple code execution to include system compromise and potential persistence mechanisms, as successful exploitation could allow attackers to establish backdoors or maintain long-term access to vulnerable systems. Organizations running affected Flash Player versions face significant risk due to the complexity of the Flash runtime environment and the difficulty in isolating and patching individual components. The vulnerability's presence in both Windows and OS X platforms indicates a cross-platform threat that requires comprehensive remediation strategies across diverse operating environments. Security researchers have identified that this flaw could be triggered through malicious SWF files delivered via web browsers or other Flash-enabled applications, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise settings where users frequently access untrusted content. The vulnerability's classification as a memory corruption issue places it within the broader category of advanced persistent threat vectors that could be exploited by sophisticated attackers. The specific version ranges indicate that this was a long-standing issue that required careful patch management to resolve, as multiple major releases were affected. The fact that this vulnerability was distinct from several other CVEs from the same period suggests that Adobe's security team was dealing with multiple memory safety issues simultaneously, each requiring separate patching approaches. This vulnerability demonstrates the inherent risks associated with complex multimedia frameworks that handle untrusted data and execute code in potentially insecure environments. Organizations should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems and implement network segmentation to limit exposure, particularly in environments where Flash Player remains in use despite its end-of-life status. The vulnerability's potential for remote code execution makes it a prime target for nation-state actors and advanced persistent threat groups seeking to establish footholds within network environments. Remediation efforts should include not only patching the Flash Player runtime but also removing or disabling Flash content from web browsers and applications to minimize attack surface. The vulnerability's characteristics align with ATT&CK technique T1203, which involves the use of legitimate user tools for execution, as Flash Player was commonly used for legitimate purposes but could be weaponized for malicious activity. Given the complexity of Flash Player's architecture and the number of affected versions, organizations should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to ensure complete remediation across all systems that may be running vulnerable components. The vulnerability's impact on both desktop and server environments underscores the importance of comprehensive security management approaches that address all potential attack vectors within the organization's technology stack.