CVE-2015-8448 in Flash Player
Summary
by MITRE
Use-after-free vulnerability in the DisplacementMapFilter object 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 crafted mapBitmap property value, 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-2015-8430, 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-2015-8449, CVE-2015-8450, CVE-2015-8452, and CVE-2015-8454.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/09/2024
The CVE-2015-8448 vulnerability represents a critical use-after-free flaw within Adobe Flash Player's DisplacementMapFilter implementation, affecting multiple product versions across different operating systems. This vulnerability specifically targets the memory management mechanisms within the Flash Player runtime environment, where improper handling of object references leads to potential code execution exploits. The flaw occurs when processing a crafted mapBitmap property value, creating a scenario where freed memory locations are accessed after the original object has been deallocated, thereby enabling attackers to manipulate program execution flow through carefully constructed malicious content.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with common software security weaknesses categorized under CWE-416, which describes the use of freed memory condition. The DisplacementMapFilter object in Flash Player maintains references to bitmap data structures that are manipulated through the mapBitmap property. When these structures are improperly managed during object destruction and subsequent reuse, attackers can leverage this behavior to overwrite memory contents with malicious payloads. This particular implementation flaw affects Windows and macOS platforms running Flash Player versions prior to 18.0.0.268 and 19.x/20.x versions before 20.0.0.228, alongside Linux systems with versions before 11.2.202.554. The vulnerability also extends to Adobe AIR environments, including SDKs and compilers, all before version 20.0.0.204, demonstrating the widespread impact across Adobe's multimedia platforms.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-8448 extends beyond simple code execution to encompass potential system compromise and privilege escalation scenarios. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability can leverage the use-after-free condition to inject and execute arbitrary code within the Flash Player sandbox environment, potentially leading to full system compromise. The attack vector typically involves crafting malicious SWF files or web content that triggers the vulnerable DisplacementMapFilter functionality, causing the targeted memory corruption. This vulnerability operates within the context of web-based attacks, where users are tricked into visiting compromised websites or opening malicious files that contain the exploit payload. The security implications align with ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which covers scripting languages, as attackers can utilize Flash-based exploitation methods to achieve their objectives.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-8448 primarily focus on immediate patch deployment and system hardening measures. Adobe released security updates addressing this vulnerability in the specified versions, making it essential for organizations to implement these patches promptly across all affected systems. The vulnerability's presence in both Flash Player and AIR environments necessitates comprehensive patch management across all Adobe products. Additional defensive measures include implementing web application firewalls, restricting Flash content execution in browser environments, and utilizing sandboxing technologies to limit potential exploitation impact. Network administrators should also consider disabling Flash Player plugins entirely where possible, given the cumulative risk profile of Flash-based vulnerabilities. Security monitoring should include detection of suspicious Flash content and anomalous memory access patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date software and implementing layered security approaches to protect against memory corruption vulnerabilities that can lead to complete system compromise.