CVE-2015-7662 in Flash Player
Summary
by MITRE
Adobe Flash Player before 18.0.0.261 and 19.x before 19.0.0.245 on Windows and OS X and before 11.2.202.548 on Linux, Adobe AIR before 19.0.0.241, Adobe AIR SDK before 19.0.0.241, and Adobe AIR SDK & Compiler before 19.0.0.241 allow remote attackers to bypass intended access restrictions and write to files via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/26/2022
Adobe Flash Player versions prior to 18.0.0.261 on Windows and OS X, and before 19.0.0.245 on Linux, along with Adobe AIR versions before 19.0.0.241 and corresponding SDK versions, contained a critical vulnerability that allowed remote attackers to circumvent intended access controls and perform unauthorized file write operations. This vulnerability falls under the category of improper access control as defined by CWE-284, where the software fails to properly enforce access restrictions that should prevent unauthorized file system modifications. The flaw enabled attackers to exploit unspecified vectors to gain write access to files on the target system, potentially allowing for persistent malicious modifications to the file system.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of file system access permissions within the Flash Player runtime environment. Attackers could leverage this weakness to execute file system operations that should have been restricted based on security policies and user permissions. The vulnerability affects multiple platforms including Windows, OS X, and Linux operating systems, demonstrating the widespread impact across different environments. This cross-platform nature aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, where adversaries can manipulate file systems to establish persistence or execute malicious code. The vulnerability represents a privilege escalation issue that could allow attackers to write to system directories or modify critical application files.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it could enable attackers to perform malicious file system modifications without proper authorization. Successful exploitation could result in the installation of malware, modification of legitimate applications, or creation of persistent backdoors on affected systems. The vulnerability's ability to bypass intended access restrictions means that attackers could potentially modify system files, install malicious software, or corrupt existing data. This type of vulnerability directly impacts the integrity and confidentiality of systems, as unauthorized file modifications can lead to complete system compromise. Organizations relying on Adobe Flash Player or AIR applications would face increased risk of data breaches, system compromise, and potential lateral movement within their networks.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include immediate deployment of patched versions of Adobe Flash Player and AIR software across all affected platforms. System administrators should prioritize updating to the latest versions that address this specific access control flaw, ensuring that all Windows, OS X, and Linux systems are properly patched. Network administrators should implement monitoring solutions to detect suspicious file system activity that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict Flash Player execution to trusted environments only. Security teams should also review and tighten file system access controls to minimize potential impact if exploitation occurs. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date software and implementing layered security controls to prevent unauthorized system modifications. Regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar access control weaknesses in other applications and systems within the organization's infrastructure.