CVE-2015-8450 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 a crafted filters property value in a TextField object, 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-2015-8448, CVE-2015-8449, CVE-2015-8452, and CVE-2015-8454.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/09/2024
The CVE-2015-8450 vulnerability represents a critical use-after-free flaw in Adobe Flash Player and Adobe AIR runtime environments that affects multiple platform versions across Windows, macOS, and Linux operating systems. This vulnerability specifically targets the handling of TextField objects within the Flash runtime, where improper memory management allows attackers to manipulate the filters property in ways that can lead to arbitrary code execution. The flaw is classified as a memory corruption vulnerability that stems from the improper deallocation of memory resources, creating a scenario where freed memory can be accessed and potentially overwritten by malicious code. Such vulnerabilities are particularly dangerous because they can be exploited to bypass modern security mitigations including address space layout randomization and data execution prevention mechanisms that are commonly deployed in contemporary operating systems.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when a crafted Flash application or web content attempts to manipulate the filters property of a TextField object in a manner that triggers the use-after-free condition. When Flash Player processes such malformed input, it fails to properly validate the memory references associated with the filters property, leading to a situation where freed memory blocks are still accessible and can be manipulated by an attacker. This memory corruption typically manifests through heap-based memory management issues where the Flash runtime's garbage collector or memory allocator does not properly track object lifecycles, allowing freed memory to be reallocated and subsequently accessed by malicious code. The vulnerability is particularly insidious because it can be triggered through web-based attacks without requiring any user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website, making it a prime target for drive-by download attacks and social engineering campaigns.
From an operational perspective, the impact of CVE-2015-8450 extends across multiple attack vectors and threat models, as it affects both desktop and mobile Flash Player implementations along with Adobe AIR applications that are widely deployed in enterprise environments. The vulnerability's exploitation can lead to complete system compromise, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the Flash Player process, which typically runs with the same privileges as the user. This makes the vulnerability particularly attractive to threat actors seeking persistent access to target systems, as it can be used to establish backdoors, escalate privileges, or deploy additional malware payloads. The vulnerability's presence in multiple versions of Adobe's software across different platforms also means that organizations with diverse technology stacks must implement comprehensive patch management strategies to protect against exploitation.
Organizations can mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2015-8450 through several defensive measures, with the most effective approach being the immediate application of patches provided by Adobe. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-416, which describes the use of freed memory condition, and can be addressed through standard vulnerability management processes that include threat assessment, risk analysis, and security patch deployment. Additional mitigations include implementing web application firewalls to block malicious Flash content, disabling Flash Player in web browsers where possible, and employing sandboxing techniques that limit the potential impact of exploitation. The vulnerability also relates to ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which covers the use of Flash for execution, making it important for security teams to monitor network traffic for suspicious Flash-related activities and implement endpoint detection and response capabilities to identify potential exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies to prevent unauthorized Flash content from executing on systems, particularly in environments where Flash is not required for business operations.
The broader implications of CVE-2015-8450 highlight the ongoing challenges in Flash-based security vulnerabilities, as the runtime environment's complexity and extensive use across the web created numerous attack surfaces that were difficult to secure comprehensively. This vulnerability, along with its related counterparts in the same CVE family, demonstrates how memory management flaws in legacy software can persist for extended periods and continue to pose significant security risks even after initial exploitation techniques have been widely understood. The vulnerability's classification under memory corruption categories and its exploitation patterns align with established security frameworks that emphasize the importance of secure coding practices, particularly in environments where legacy software continues to be deployed despite known security vulnerabilities. Security professionals should recognize that such vulnerabilities often require coordinated remediation efforts across multiple software components and may necessitate the complete retirement of legacy Flash-based applications in favor of more modern, secure web technologies.