CVE-2015-8430 in Flash Player
Summary
by MITRE
Use-after-free vulnerability in Adobe Flash Player before 18.0.0.268 and 19.x and 20.x before 20.0.0.228 on Windows and OS X and before 11.2.202.554 on Linux, Adobe AIR before 20.0.0.204, Adobe AIR SDK before 20.0.0.204, and Adobe AIR SDK & Compiler before 20.0.0.204 allows attackers to execute arbitrary code via unspecified vectors, a different vulnerability than CVE-2015-8048, CVE-2015-8049, CVE-2015-8050, CVE-2015-8055, CVE-2015-8056, CVE-2015-8057, CVE-2015-8058, CVE-2015-8059, CVE-2015-8061, CVE-2015-8062, CVE-2015-8063, CVE-2015-8064, CVE-2015-8065, CVE-2015-8066, CVE-2015-8067, CVE-2015-8068, CVE-2015-8069, CVE-2015-8070, CVE-2015-8071, CVE-2015-8401, CVE-2015-8402, CVE-2015-8403, CVE-2015-8404, CVE-2015-8405, CVE-2015-8406, CVE-2015-8410, CVE-2015-8411, CVE-2015-8412, CVE-2015-8413, CVE-2015-8414, CVE-2015-8420, CVE-2015-8421, CVE-2015-8422, CVE-2015-8423, CVE-2015-8424, CVE-2015-8425, CVE-2015-8426, CVE-2015-8427, CVE-2015-8428, CVE-2015-8429, CVE-2015-8431, CVE-2015-8432, CVE-2015-8433, CVE-2015-8434, CVE-2015-8435, CVE-2015-8436, CVE-2015-8437, CVE-2015-8441, CVE-2015-8442, CVE-2015-8447, CVE-2015-8448, CVE-2015-8449, CVE-2015-8450, CVE-2015-8452, and CVE-2015-8454.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/10/2024
The CVE-2015-8430 vulnerability represents a critical use-after-free flaw in Adobe Flash Player and related software components that existed across multiple platform versions and release cycles. This vulnerability specifically affects Adobe Flash Player versions prior to 18.0.0.268 and 19.x and 20.x before 20.0.0.228 on Windows and OS X platforms, as well as Adobe AIR versions before 20.0.0.204 and corresponding SDK versions. The flaw manifests in the handling of memory management within the Flash Player runtime environment, creating a scenario where freed memory locations can be accessed and manipulated by malicious actors. This particular vulnerability is distinct from numerous other related issues identified in the same timeframe, establishing it as a unique attack surface within the Adobe ecosystem. The vulnerability operates through unspecified vectors that remain undisclosed in the public CVE database, indicating the complexity and potential sophistication of the exploitation techniques required to trigger the memory corruption.
The technical nature of CVE-2015-8430 aligns with the Common Weakness Enumeration CWE-416, which specifically addresses use-after-free vulnerabilities where program memory is accessed after it has been freed. This weakness represents a fundamental memory safety issue that occurs when an application continues to reference memory that has already been deallocated from the heap. The exploitation of such vulnerabilities typically involves crafting malicious content that triggers the specific memory management flaw, causing the application to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the Flash Player process. In the context of Adobe Flash Player, this vulnerability is particularly dangerous because Flash Player runs with elevated privileges in web browsers and can access system resources directly. The vulnerability's presence in multiple versions across different operating systems indicates a systemic issue within the Flash Player memory management subsystem that was not properly addressed through the standard update mechanisms.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-8430 extends beyond simple code execution, as it creates a persistent threat vector that can be exploited through various attack surfaces including web browsers, email clients, and other applications that embed Flash content. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability by delivering malicious SWF files or web content that triggers the use-after-free condition, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability's presence in both desktop and mobile platforms, combined with its persistence across multiple software versions, creates a significant challenge for security teams attempting to maintain protection across diverse environments. Organizations running affected versions of Adobe Flash Player, AIR, or SDK components face a high risk of exploitation, particularly in environments where users frequently interact with untrusted web content. The vulnerability's exploitation capabilities align with techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1059.007 sub-technique for command and scripting interpreter, as successful exploitation would enable attackers to execute arbitrary commands on compromised systems. The memory corruption aspect of this vulnerability also relates to T1068, which covers privilege escalation through local exploits.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-8430 primarily focus on immediate patching and system hardening measures. Organizations should prioritize updating all affected Adobe Flash Player installations to versions 18.0.0.268 or later, or 20.0.0.228 and later for the 20.x series, along with corresponding Adobe AIR and SDK updates to versions 20.0.0.204 or later. Network-based protections can include implementing content filtering systems that block Flash content from untrusted sources, as well as disabling Flash Player plugins in web browsers where possible. Security teams should also consider implementing runtime protections such as address space layout randomization and data execution prevention to make exploitation more difficult. The vulnerability's nature as a memory corruption issue makes it particularly susceptible to exploit mitigation techniques, though complete protection requires proper patching. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all systems running affected software versions and implement monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts. The remediation process should also include user education regarding the dangers of executing untrusted Flash content and the importance of keeping software updated. Given the vulnerability's widespread impact across multiple platforms and software versions, a coordinated approach to patch management is essential for effective defense against exploitation attempts.