CVE-2015-5555 in Flash Player
Summary
by MITRE
Adobe Flash Player before 18.0.0.232 on Windows and OS X and before 11.2.202.508 on Linux, Adobe AIR before 18.0.0.199, Adobe AIR SDK before 18.0.0.199, and Adobe AIR SDK & Compiler before 18.0.0.199 allow attackers to execute arbitrary code by leveraging an unspecified "type confusion," a different vulnerability than CVE-2015-5554, CVE-2015-5558, and CVE-2015-5562.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/15/2024
Adobe Flash Player and Adobe AIR versions prior to specified patches contain a critical type confusion vulnerability that enables remote code execution attacks. This vulnerability exists in the way these applications handle object types during runtime operations, creating opportunities for attackers to manipulate memory structures and execute malicious code. The flaw affects multiple platforms including Windows, macOS, and Linux systems where affected versions are installed. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows attackers to bypass security controls and gain unauthorized access to systems through carefully crafted malicious content that leverages the type confusion issue.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of object type information within the Flash Player and AIR runtime environments. Type confusion occurs when the runtime incorrectly interprets the type of an object, leading to memory corruption and potential code execution. Attackers can exploit this by crafting specially designed SWF files or other content that triggers the type confusion during object manipulation. The vulnerability operates at a low level within the application's memory management system, making it particularly difficult to detect and prevent through traditional security measures. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-476 category of NULL Pointer Dereference, though in this case it manifests as a more complex type confusion scenario that can lead to arbitrary code execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on vulnerable systems without requiring user interaction or authentication. Systems running affected versions of Adobe Flash Player or AIR are at significant risk of compromise, potentially leading to full system takeover, data exfiltration, and persistence mechanisms. The vulnerability affects not only end-user systems but also enterprise environments where Flash Player is commonly used for web applications and multimedia content. Organizations using these outdated versions face increased exposure to targeted attacks, as the vulnerability can be exploited through web browsers, email attachments, or other attack vectors that deliver malicious Flash content. The widespread adoption of Flash Player across various platforms makes this vulnerability particularly impactful for security teams managing diverse computing environments.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of all affected Adobe Flash Player and AIR installations across all supported platforms. System administrators should prioritize updating to the latest versions that contain fixes for this specific type confusion issue, ensuring that all endpoints are protected against exploitation attempts. Network security controls should be enhanced to monitor for suspicious Flash content and potentially block Flash-related traffic where possible. Organizations should implement comprehensive vulnerability management processes that include regular scanning for outdated Flash installations and automated patch deployment. Additionally, security teams should consider implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict execution of Flash content in enterprise environments, and conduct regular security assessments to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in other legacy software components. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, with potential lateral movement capabilities through the executed malicious code.