CVE-2015-8438 in Flash Player
Summary
by MITRE
Heap-based buffer overflow 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 a crafted XML object that is mishandled during a toString call, a different vulnerability than CVE-2015-8446.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/30/2022
The heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-8438 represents a critical security flaw in Adobe Flash Player and Adobe AIR runtime environments across multiple platforms. This vulnerability specifically affects 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 systems, while also impacting Linux versions before 11.2.202.554. Additionally, the vulnerability extends to Adobe AIR runtime environments before version 20.0.0.204 and affects Adobe AIR SDK and Compiler versions prior to 20.0.0.204. The flaw manifests when a crafted XML object is processed during a toString method invocation, creating a condition where memory allocation exceeds buffer boundaries and potentially enabling arbitrary code execution. This vulnerability operates under the Common Weakness Enumeration CWE-121 category, which encompasses heap-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through manipulation of XML data structures within the Flash Player runtime environment. When the affected software processes a maliciously crafted XML object and subsequently invokes the toString method, the improper handling of the object's memory allocation triggers a heap overflow condition. This memory corruption can be leveraged by attackers to overwrite critical memory locations, potentially allowing them to inject and execute malicious code with the privileges of the targeted application. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the runtime level where Flash Player executes multimedia content, making it accessible through web browsers and other applications that utilize Flash Player components. The attack vector specifically targets the memory management routines within the Flash Player's XML processing engine, which is classified under the ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-8438 extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass full system compromise capabilities. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code on vulnerable systems, potentially leading to complete system takeover, data exfiltration, or deployment of additional malware. The widespread adoption of Flash Player across web browsers and applications meant that this vulnerability could be exploited across numerous attack surfaces, making it particularly dangerous for enterprise environments where Flash content was commonly used for web applications and multimedia presentations. Organizations with legacy systems running vulnerable versions of Flash Player or AIR runtime environments faced significant exposure risks, as the vulnerability could be triggered through standard web browsing activities without requiring user interaction beyond visiting compromised websites. The vulnerability's classification under CWE-121 indicates that it involves heap-based memory corruption that can lead to denial of service, information disclosure, or complete system compromise depending on the exploitation method employed by threat actors.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-8438 require immediate patching of all affected Adobe Flash Player and AIR runtime versions to their respective secure releases. Organizations should implement comprehensive inventory tracking of all systems running Flash Player or AIR components to identify vulnerable installations and prioritize remediation efforts. Network-based protections such as web application firewalls and content filtering systems can help reduce exposure by blocking access to known malicious domains that might host exploit code for this vulnerability. Security teams should also consider disabling Flash Player plugins in web browsers where possible and implementing strict browser security policies that prevent automatic execution of Flash content. The vulnerability's exploitation requires specific conditions involving XML processing and toString method calls, which provides opportunities for defensive measures including runtime monitoring for unusual memory allocation patterns and implementing application whitelisting controls that restrict Flash Player execution to trusted environments. Additionally, organizations should conduct regular security assessments to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in their software ecosystems, as this vulnerability demonstrates the ongoing risks associated with legacy multimedia runtime environments that continue to receive security updates.