CVE-2015-7647 in Flash Player
Summary
by MITRE
Adobe Flash Player before 18.0.0.255 and 19.x before 19.0.0.226 on Windows and OS X and before 11.2.202.540 on Linux allows attackers to execute arbitrary code by leveraging an unspecified "type confusion," a different vulnerability than CVE-2015-7648.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/15/2024
Adobe Flash Player versions prior to 18.0.0.255 on Windows and OS X, and before 19.0.0.226 on Windows and OS X, as well as versions before 11.2.202.540 on Linux, contain a critical type confusion vulnerability that enables remote code execution. This flaw represents a distinct security issue from CVE-2015-7648 and demonstrates a fundamental problem in how the Flash Player handles data type validation during runtime operations. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of object type information within the player's memory management system, allowing attackers to manipulate object references and execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the Flash Player process. This type confusion vulnerability specifically affects the ActionScript runtime environment where objects are expected to maintain consistent type information throughout their lifecycle. When the Flash Player encounters malformed input or manipulated data structures, it fails to properly validate type consistency, creating opportunities for attackers to overwrite critical memory locations and redirect execution flow. The impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution as it provides attackers with a foothold to escalate privileges and potentially compromise the entire system. According to the CWE database, this vulnerability maps to CWE-476 which describes NULL pointer dereference conditions, though the specific manifestation involves type confusion rather than simple pointer issues. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a code injection technique where adversaries leverage application vulnerabilities to execute malicious code, specifically targeting the Flash Player's runtime environment. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because Flash Player is widely deployed across various platforms and browsers, making it an attractive target for attackers seeking broad system compromise. The exploitation typically involves crafting malicious SWF files that trigger the type confusion during object instantiation or method invocation, leading to memory corruption that can be leveraged for remote code execution. This vulnerability highlights the inherent risks associated with complex runtime environments that handle dynamic typing and memory management, where improper validation can lead to severe security implications. Organizations should prioritize immediate patching of affected versions and consider implementing network segmentation to limit exposure, while also monitoring for indicators of compromise related to Flash Player exploitation attempts. The vulnerability underscores the importance of proper input validation and type safety in runtime environments, particularly in legacy systems that continue to support deprecated technologies like Flash Player. Security teams should also implement application whitelisting policies to restrict Flash Player execution and reduce the attack surface. The remediation process requires careful consideration of compatibility issues since Flash Player was widely used across enterprise environments, necessitating coordinated patch deployment across all affected systems. This vulnerability demonstrates how legacy software components can harbor critical flaws that persist for extended periods, emphasizing the need for continuous security assessments and proactive vulnerability management strategies. The specific nature of the type confusion in this case suggests that the vulnerability may have been present in multiple versions of the Flash Player codebase, requiring comprehensive patching across all affected release branches to ensure complete remediation.