CVE-2016-0966 in Flash Player
Summary
by MITRE
Adobe Flash Player before 18.0.0.329 and 19.x and 20.x before 20.0.0.306 on Windows and OS X and before 11.2.202.569 on Linux, Adobe AIR before 20.0.0.260, Adobe AIR SDK before 20.0.0.260, and Adobe AIR SDK & Compiler before 20.0.0.260 allow attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (memory corruption) via unspecified vectors, a different vulnerability than CVE-2016-0964, CVE-2016-0965, CVE-2016-0967, CVE-2016-0968, CVE-2016-0969, CVE-2016-0970, CVE-2016-0972, CVE-2016-0976, CVE-2016-0977, CVE-2016-0978, CVE-2016-0979, CVE-2016-0980, and CVE-2016-0981.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/07/2022
Adobe Flash Player and Adobe AIR runtime environments have long been prime targets for cyber attackers due to their widespread deployment and complex codebase that creates numerous potential entry points for exploitation. This particular vulnerability CVE-2016-0966 represents a memory corruption flaw that affects multiple versions across different operating systems including Windows, macOS, and Linux platforms. The vulnerability exists in the way these applications handle certain data structures during processing, creating opportunities for attackers to manipulate memory layout and execute arbitrary code or cause system crashes. Unlike other vulnerabilities in the same timeframe that were specifically targeting different aspects of the Flash Player architecture, CVE-2016-0966 operates through distinct exploitation vectors that make it particularly dangerous in the context of web-based attacks. The memory corruption aspect of this vulnerability falls under the broader category of memory safety issues that are commonly classified as CWE-125, which represents out-of-bounds read conditions, and CWE-787, which covers out-of-bounds write operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows attackers to craft malicious content that when processed by the affected Flash Player or AIR runtime will trigger memory corruption. This typically occurs when the application fails to properly validate input data or handle certain object references during the execution of multimedia content. Attackers can leverage this flaw by embedding malicious SWF files or HTML content that when loaded in a browser or executed within the AIR environment will cause the targeted application to access memory locations outside of its allocated boundaries. This memory corruption can lead to two primary attack outcomes: either the execution of arbitrary code with the privileges of the running application, or a denial of service condition that crashes the application and potentially the entire system. The exploitation process often follows patterns consistent with the attack techniques catalogued in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1059 category for command and scripting interpreters, as attackers can use the compromised runtime to execute malicious payloads. The vulnerability affects not just the end-user applications but also the development tools including Adobe AIR SDK and Compiler, which means developers working with these environments are also at risk.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-0966 extends beyond simple exploitation as it represents a critical security gap that could be leveraged for more sophisticated attacks. When considering the widespread adoption of Flash Player across enterprise networks and consumer environments, this vulnerability could enable attackers to establish persistent access points or escalate privileges within targeted systems. The fact that this vulnerability affects multiple versions and platforms increases the attack surface significantly, as defenders must account for various deployment scenarios. Organizations running legacy systems that have not been updated to patched versions are particularly vulnerable to this type of exploitation. The vulnerability's classification as a memory corruption issue places it within the realm of advanced persistent threats where attackers can use the instability to bypass security controls or establish footholds for further compromise. Security researchers have noted that similar memory corruption vulnerabilities in Flash Player have historically been used to deliver malware payloads including information stealers, backdoors, and other malicious software components that can persist across system reboots and evade traditional security measures.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-0966 primarily focus on immediate patch deployment and operational security measures. Organizations should prioritize updating all affected Adobe Flash Player installations to versions 18.0.0.329 and 19.x and 20.x before 20.0.0.306 on Windows and OS X, and 11.2.202.569 on Linux, along with updating Adobe AIR and related development tools to their patched versions. The implementation of network-based security controls such as content filtering and web application firewalls can provide additional protection layers by blocking malicious SWF content before it reaches vulnerable systems. Additionally, implementing browser security measures like disabling Flash Player plugins or using sandboxing technologies can significantly reduce the attack surface. Security teams should also consider monitoring for unusual memory access patterns or process behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts, as these systems often generate specific artifacts when memory corruption occurs. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date software across all system components and demonstrates how legacy applications can continue to pose significant security risks even after their initial release. Organizations should also implement comprehensive vulnerability management programs that regularly assess and remediate known security gaps across their entire technology stack.