CVE-2015-8653 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 crafted MPEG-4 data, 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-2015-8450, CVE-2015-8452, CVE-2015-8454, CVE-2015-8655, CVE-2015-8821, and CVE-2015-8822.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/12/2024
The CVE-2015-8653 vulnerability represents a critical use-after-free flaw in Adobe Flash Player and AIR runtime environments that affects multiple platform versions across Windows, macOS, and Linux operating systems. This vulnerability specifically manifests when processing crafted MPEG-4 data streams, creating a scenario where memory that has been freed is still accessed by the application, leading to potential code execution. The flaw falls under the CWE-416 category of Use After Free, which is a well-documented class of vulnerabilities where programs continue to reference memory locations after they have been freed, creating opportunities for attackers to manipulate memory contents and execute arbitrary code. The vulnerability 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, while Linux versions are affected before 11.2.202.554, with Adobe AIR and SDK versions also vulnerable before 20.0.0.204.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the improper handling of MPEG-4 video data structures within the Flash Player's media processing pipeline. When maliciously crafted MPEG-4 files are processed, the application's memory management routines fail to properly track object lifecycles, resulting in a scenario where freed memory blocks are accessed during subsequent operations. Attackers can leverage this condition by crafting specific MPEG-4 content that triggers the use-after-free condition, potentially allowing them to overwrite critical memory locations with malicious code or manipulate program execution flow. The vulnerability's exploitation is particularly dangerous because it can be triggered through web-based attacks, where users unknowingly browse to malicious websites hosting compromised Flash content. This vector aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203 - Exploitation for Client Execution, where adversaries leverage vulnerabilities in software to execute malicious code on target systems.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-8653 extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with a pathway to establish persistent footholds within compromised systems. The vulnerability's broad scope across multiple Adobe products and platforms makes it particularly attractive to threat actors, as it increases the attack surface and reduces the need for platform-specific exploitation techniques. Organizations running affected versions of Flash Player and AIR are at significant risk of arbitrary code execution, potentially leading to full system compromise, data exfiltration, and lateral movement within networks. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution flaw means that exploitation can occur without user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where users frequently access web content. Security researchers have noted that this vulnerability can be chained with other exploits to create more sophisticated attack vectors, and its exploitation often requires minimal user interaction, making it a preferred target for automated attack campaigns.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-8653 primarily focus on immediate patching and deployment of updated Adobe Flash Player and AIR versions. Organizations should prioritize updating to patched versions that address the specific use-after-free condition in the MPEG-4 processing code, with the recommended versions being Flash Player 18.0.0.268 and 19.x and 20.x 20.0.0.228, along with corresponding AIR and SDK versions. Additionally, network-based mitigations such as web application firewalls and content filtering solutions can help reduce the risk of exploitation by blocking known malicious Flash content. Browser-level protections including disabling Flash Player plugins and implementing sandboxing mechanisms provide additional layers of defense. Security teams should also monitor for indicators of compromise related to this vulnerability and implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all affected systems are updated promptly. The vulnerability's classification as a critical risk by major security vendors underscores the importance of immediate remediation, as the exploitation techniques for use-after-free vulnerabilities are well-documented and frequently leveraged in real-world attacks.