CVE-2015-8445 in Flash Player
Summary
by MITRE
Integer overflow in the Shader filter implementation 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 large BitmapData source object.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/09/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-8445 represents a critical integer overflow condition within Adobe Flash Player's Shader filter implementation affecting multiple product versions across different operating systems. This flaw exists in the handling of BitmapData source objects within the graphics processing pipeline of Adobe's multimedia platform, creating a potential pathway for remote code execution attacks. The vulnerability specifically impacts 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 environments before version 20.0.0.204 across all supported platforms. The integer overflow occurs when processing large BitmapData objects through the Shader filter mechanism, where insufficient input validation leads to memory corruption that can be exploited by malicious actors.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability relies on the manipulation of integer arithmetic within the Shader filter's memory allocation routines. When a maliciously crafted BitmapData source object is processed, the integer overflow causes the system to allocate insufficient memory for the operation, leading to buffer overflows and memory corruption. This memory corruption can be leveraged by attackers to overwrite critical memory locations with malicious code, effectively allowing for arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the Flash Player process. The vulnerability demonstrates characteristics consistent with CWE-190, Integer Overflow or Wraparound, which specifically addresses situations where integer arithmetic produces results that exceed the maximum value representable by the data type, leading to unexpected behavior. The attack vector requires a user to interact with malicious content, typically through web browsers that have Flash Player installed, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where users frequently access untrusted web content.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-8445 extends beyond simple code execution to encompass potential system compromise and data breaches across affected environments. Organizations running vulnerable versions of Adobe Flash Player and AIR applications face significant risk of unauthorized access, as successful exploitation can provide attackers with complete control over affected systems. The vulnerability's presence in both Flash Player and AIR environments creates a broader attack surface, as AIR applications often have elevated privileges and can access system resources beyond typical web browser limitations. This makes the vulnerability particularly attractive to threat actors targeting enterprise networks, where AIR applications may be used for business-critical processes and contain sensitive data. The attack complexity is relatively low, as it requires only the delivery of malicious content to a vulnerable system, making it a preferred target for automated exploitation campaigns.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-8445 primarily focus on immediate remediation through software updates and comprehensive system hardening measures. Organizations should prioritize the immediate deployment of patched versions of Adobe Flash Player and AIR environments, as Adobe released security updates addressing this specific vulnerability in their respective version releases. The implementation of web application firewalls and content filtering systems can provide additional protection by blocking malicious content before it reaches vulnerable systems. Network segmentation and privilege separation should be implemented to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation, ensuring that even if an attacker gains code execution capabilities, they cannot easily escalate privileges or move laterally within the network. Additionally, security awareness training for users to avoid visiting untrusted websites and opening suspicious email attachments can help reduce the attack surface. The vulnerability's classification under ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter demonstrates the potential for attackers to leverage this vulnerability for persistent access and system control, making comprehensive monitoring and detection capabilities essential for maintaining security posture.