CVE-2016-0963 in Flash Player
Summary
by MITRE
Integer overflow in Adobe Flash Player before 18.0.0.333 and 19.x through 21.x before 21.0.0.182 on Windows and OS X and before 11.2.202.577 on Linux, Adobe AIR before 21.0.0.176, Adobe AIR SDK before 21.0.0.176, and Adobe AIR SDK & Compiler before 21.0.0.176 allows attackers to execute arbitrary code via unspecified vectors, a different vulnerability than CVE-2016-0993 and CVE-2016-1010.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/10/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-0963 represents a critical integer overflow flaw affecting Adobe Flash Player and Adobe AIR across multiple platforms and versions. This vulnerability resides within the core processing mechanisms of these multimedia frameworks, where improper handling of integer values can lead to unexpected behavior in memory allocation and data processing operations. The flaw specifically impacts Flash Player versions prior to 18.0.0.333 and 19.x through 21.x before 21.0.0.182 on Windows and OS X systems, alongside affected Linux versions before 11.2.202.577, along with corresponding Adobe AIR and AIR SDK versions. The integer overflow condition occurs when the software attempts to process data structures that exceed the maximum representable value for integer variables, creating a scenario where subsequent operations may behave unpredictably and potentially allow malicious code execution.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability leverages the fundamental nature of integer arithmetic overflow, where computations exceed the maximum value that can be stored in the allocated memory space, causing wraparound behavior that can be manipulated by attackers. This particular flaw falls under the CWE-191 category of integer underflow (wrap or wraparound) and can be classified as a code execution vulnerability within the ATT&CK framework under the T1059.007 technique for command and scripting interpreter. The unspecified vectors mentioned in the description suggest that attackers can trigger this condition through various means including malformed multimedia content, manipulated file structures, or crafted web pages that leverage Flash Player's processing capabilities. The vulnerability's classification as a different issue from CVE-2016-0993 and CVE-2016-1010 indicates that it represents a distinct code path and exploitation methodology, making it particularly dangerous as it may not be covered by existing mitigations for similar vulnerabilities.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-0963 extends across multiple attack surfaces given the widespread deployment of Adobe Flash Player and AIR across enterprise and consumer environments. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code on vulnerable systems, potentially leading to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, or lateral movement within network environments. The vulnerability's presence in both desktop and mobile platform implementations means that organizations must consider comprehensive mitigation strategies across their entire IT infrastructure. The integer overflow condition creates a pathway for privilege escalation attacks, where attackers can manipulate memory structures to gain elevated privileges or bypass security controls. Given the nature of Flash Player's integration with web browsers and its widespread use in enterprise applications, this vulnerability represents a significant risk that could be exploited through phishing campaigns, malicious websites, or compromised web applications.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-0963 must prioritize immediate patching of affected Adobe products, as the vulnerability is fully addressed through official updates from Adobe. Organizations should implement network-based protections including web application firewalls and content filtering systems that can detect and block known malicious Flash content. The implementation of Adobe Flash Player lockdown configurations and sandboxing mechanisms can provide additional layers of protection, though these measures are secondary to proper patch management. Security teams should also consider disabling Flash Player entirely in enterprise environments where it is not strictly required, as this represents the most effective defense against this and similar vulnerabilities. The vulnerability's characteristics align with ATT&CK techniques for exploitation through web-based attacks, making network monitoring and endpoint detection crucial components of defense in depth strategies. Additionally, regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify and remediate similar integer overflow conditions in other software components that may present analogous security risks.