CVE-2015-3083 in Flash Player
Summary
by MITRE
Adobe Flash Player before 13.0.0.289 and 14.x through 17.x before 17.0.0.188 on Windows and OS X and before 11.2.202.460 on Linux, Adobe AIR before 17.0.0.172, Adobe AIR SDK before 17.0.0.172, and Adobe AIR SDK & Compiler before 17.0.0.172 allow remote attackers to bypass intended restrictions on filesystem write operations via unspecified vectors, a different vulnerability than CVE-2015-3082 and CVE-2015-3085.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/25/2025
Adobe Flash Player versions prior to 13.0.0.289 and 14.x through 17.x before 17.0.0.188 on Windows and OS X platforms, along with versions before 11.2.202.460 on Linux systems, as well as Adobe AIR versions before 17.0.0.172 including the corresponding SDK and Compiler versions, contained a critical security flaw that enabled remote attackers to circumvent intended filesystem write operation restrictions. This vulnerability represents a sandbox escape mechanism that allows malicious actors to write files to arbitrary locations on the target system, bypassing the normal security boundaries that Flash Player and AIR applications should maintain. The flaw operates through unspecified vectors that differ from the related vulnerabilities CVE-2015-3082 and CVE-2015-3085, indicating a distinct attack surface within the Flash runtime environment. This vulnerability directly relates to CWE-250, which describes "Execute Code or Commands Directly from Untrusted Source" and specifically addresses improper access control mechanisms within application sandboxes. The technical implementation likely involves manipulation of Flash's security model to escalate privileges or exploit memory corruption issues that allow for unauthorized file system modifications. From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses a severe threat to enterprise environments where Flash Player remains enabled, as attackers could potentially write malicious executables, modify system files, or deploy persistent backdoors on compromised systems. The attack vector typically involves crafting malicious Flash content that when executed by a vulnerable application can trigger the bypass mechanism. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript" and T1070.004 for "Indicator Removal on Host: File Deletion," as attackers could leverage this to establish persistence and cover their tracks. The impact extends beyond individual system compromise to potentially enable broader network infiltration, as the ability to write arbitrary files opens pathways for additional attacks such as credential theft, privilege escalation, and lateral movement within compromised networks. Organizations should prioritize immediate patching of all affected versions, implement network-based protections such as content filtering and sandboxing solutions, and consider disabling Flash Player entirely where possible. The vulnerability highlights the inherent risks of legacy multimedia frameworks and underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date security controls, particularly for applications that handle untrusted content from web sources. Security teams should also monitor for indicators of compromise related to file system modifications in affected environments, as this vulnerability could be exploited for data exfiltration or system compromise through malicious file deployment.