CVE-2015-7663 in Flash Player
Summary
by MITRE
Use-after-free vulnerability in 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 allows attackers to execute arbitrary code via unspecified vectors, a different vulnerability than CVE-2015-7651, CVE-2015-7652, CVE-2015-7653, CVE-2015-7654, CVE-2015-7655, CVE-2015-7656, CVE-2015-7657, CVE-2015-7658, CVE-2015-7660, CVE-2015-7661, CVE-2015-8042, CVE-2015-8043, CVE-2015-8044, and CVE-2015-8046.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/26/2022
The CVE-2015-7663 vulnerability represents a critical use-after-free flaw in Adobe Flash Player and Adobe AIR runtime environments that affected multiple operating systems and versions. This vulnerability resides in the memory management mechanisms of these applications, specifically in how they handle object references and memory deallocation processes. The flaw allows attackers to manipulate the application's memory state by accessing objects that have already been freed, creating opportunities for arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability impacts Flash Player versions prior to 18.0.0.261 and 19.x prior to 19.0.0.245 on Windows and OS X platforms, while Linux versions were affected before 11.2.202.548. Additionally, Adobe AIR runtime environments before version 19.0.0.241 and corresponding SDK versions were also vulnerable to this flaw.
The technical implementation of this use-after-free vulnerability stems from improper memory management practices within the Flash Player and AIR runtime engines. When objects are removed from memory through deallocation processes, the application should ensure that all references to those objects are invalidated. However, in affected versions, the runtime failed to properly invalidate object references, allowing malicious code to access freed memory locations and potentially overwrite critical memory segments. This type of vulnerability is classified under CWE-416, which specifically addresses use-after-free conditions in software development. The flaw operates by exploiting the timing gap between when an object is freed and when the memory is actually reused, creating a window of opportunity for attackers to inject and execute malicious payloads.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution capabilities, as it represents a significant threat vector for attackers seeking to compromise systems running vulnerable Adobe applications. Attackers could craft malicious SWF files or web content that, when loaded by a vulnerable Flash Player or AIR runtime, would trigger the use-after-free condition and subsequently execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected application. This vulnerability particularly affects enterprise environments where Flash Player remains widely deployed for multimedia content, web applications, and legacy systems. The attack surface is broad due to the prevalence of Flash Player across different platforms and the numerous ways in which Flash content could be delivered, including web browsers, email attachments, and malicious websites. The vulnerability's impact aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which covers the use of scripting languages for execution, as attackers would leverage Flash's scripting capabilities to deliver payloads.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-7663 require immediate patch deployment and comprehensive security measures to protect affected systems. Organizations should prioritize updating all instances of Adobe Flash Player and Adobe AIR to their patched versions, ensuring that both runtime applications and SDK components are upgraded to prevent exploitation. System administrators should implement network-based controls such as content filtering and web application firewalls to block potentially malicious Flash content, while also considering disabling Flash Player in web browsers where possible. The remediation process must include thorough testing of patched versions to ensure compatibility with existing applications and content, as well as monitoring for any signs of exploitation attempts. Security teams should also conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all systems running vulnerable versions of Adobe applications and establish processes for regular security updates and patch management. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper memory management practices and highlights the risks associated with legacy software components that continue to receive limited security support, making it a prime example of why organizations should prioritize software modernization and security maintenance programs.