CVE-2015-4432 in Flash Player
Summary
by MITRE
Heap-based buffer overflow in Adobe Flash Player before 13.0.0.302 and 14.x through 18.x before 18.0.0.203 on Windows and OS X and before 11.2.202.481 on Linux, Adobe AIR before 18.0.0.180, Adobe AIR SDK before 18.0.0.180, and Adobe AIR SDK & Compiler before 18.0.0.180 allows attackers to execute arbitrary code via unspecified vectors, a different vulnerability than CVE-2015-3135 and CVE-2015-5118.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/04/2024
This heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability in Adobe Flash Player represents a critical security flaw that affected multiple versions across different operating systems and Adobe AIR implementations. The vulnerability exists within the memory management mechanisms of Flash Player's runtime environment, specifically in how it handles heap allocations and buffer boundaries during media processing and content rendering operations. The flaw allows attackers to manipulate heap memory structures through carefully crafted input data, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution within the context of the vulnerable application. This vulnerability demonstrates the inherent risks associated with complex multimedia frameworks that process untrusted data from web content and local files, where improper memory management can create exploitable conditions that bypass traditional security controls.
The technical implementation of this buffer overflow stems from inadequate bounds checking within Flash Player's handling of multimedia content and data structures. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious SWF files or web content that triggers specific memory allocation patterns, causing the application to write beyond allocated buffer boundaries into adjacent heap memory regions. This allows for memory corruption that can be leveraged to overwrite critical program execution pointers, function return addresses, or other control data structures. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it affects multiple versions and platforms, including Windows, OS X, and Linux operating systems, making it a widespread target for exploitation campaigns. The flaw operates at the application layer and can be triggered through various attack vectors including web browsing, local file execution, and potentially through compromised web applications that embed Flash content.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass complete system compromise and data exfiltration capabilities. When successfully exploited, attackers can gain full control over the affected system, potentially establishing persistent backdoors, installing additional malware, or accessing sensitive user data stored on the compromised machine. The vulnerability's presence in Adobe AIR implementations further amplifies its impact, as AIR applications often have elevated privileges and access to system resources beyond standard web browsing contexts. Security researchers have noted that this vulnerability shares characteristics with other memory corruption flaws but operates through distinct exploitation techniques, making it particularly challenging to detect and prevent through traditional signature-based security measures. The vulnerability affects not just end-user systems but also enterprise environments where Flash Player is widely deployed for business applications and web-based services.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of affected Adobe Flash Player and AIR implementations to the latest secure versions. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all vulnerable systems receive updates promptly. Network-level protections such as content filtering and web application firewalls can provide additional layers of defense by blocking suspicious Flash content and monitoring for known exploitation patterns. Security teams should also consider implementing runtime protections such as DEP, ASLR, and stack canaries to make exploitation more difficult even if the vulnerability is not immediately patched. The vulnerability aligns with several ATT&CK techniques including T1059 for command and scripting interpreter usage, T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation, and T1133 for external remote services, making it a significant concern for enterprise security teams. Compliance with industry standards such as those outlined in CWE 121 for heap-based buffer overflow and CWE 125 for out-of-bounds read conditions is essential for preventing similar vulnerabilities in future implementations. Organizations should also conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify any remaining instances of older Flash Player versions that may still be in use within their environments.