CVE-2016-0984 in Flash Player
Summary
by MITRE • 01/26/2023
Use-after-free vulnerability in 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 allows attackers to execute arbitrary code via unspecified vectors, a different vulnerability than CVE-2016-0973, CVE-2016-0974, CVE-2016-0975, CVE-2016-0982, and CVE-2016-0983.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/23/2026
The CVE-2016-0984 vulnerability represents a critical use-after-free flaw in Adobe Flash Player and related software components that affected multiple platform versions across Windows, macOS, and Linux operating systems. This vulnerability specifically impacted Flash Player versions prior to 18.0.0.329 and 19.x and 20.x before 20.0.0.306, alongside Adobe AIR versions before 20.0.0.260 and corresponding SDK versions. The flaw stems from improper memory management practices where the application attempts to access memory that has already been freed, creating a predictable exploitation vector for malicious actors. Such vulnerabilities fall under the CWE-416 category, which specifically addresses use-after-free conditions in software implementations. The vulnerability operates within the broader context of application security flaws that enable arbitrary code execution through memory corruption mechanisms.
The technical exploitation of this use-after-free vulnerability occurs when Flash Player processes malicious content that triggers a scenario where memory allocated to objects becomes freed while still being referenced by subsequent operations. Attackers can craft specially designed SWF files or web content that, when executed in vulnerable Flash Player environments, causes the application to free memory locations and then subsequently access those same locations. This memory corruption can be leveraged to overwrite critical program data, redirect execution flow, or inject malicious code into the running Flash Player process. The vulnerability's exploitation typically requires user interaction through web browsing or opening malicious files, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where users frequently encounter untrusted content. The attack vector operates through the standard Flash Player execution model, where content is interpreted and executed in memory, creating opportunities for memory corruption attacks that align with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter execution.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-0984 extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass full system compromise capabilities when successfully exploited. Organizations running vulnerable Flash Player installations face significant risk of malware deployment, data exfiltration, and persistent backdoor establishment through this vulnerability. The widespread deployment of Flash Player across enterprise networks meant that a single compromised endpoint could provide attackers with access to entire organizational infrastructures. The vulnerability's presence in both Flash Player and AIR environments created additional attack surface complexity, as developers and organizations using AIR applications were also exposed to the same memory corruption risks. Security teams had to implement immediate patch management protocols and network monitoring to detect exploitation attempts, while also addressing the broader issue of legacy Flash content that continued to be deployed across enterprise applications. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution flaw means that exploitation could occur without requiring local system access, making it particularly attractive to threat actors conducting large-scale attacks against organizations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-0984 require immediate patching of all affected Adobe Flash Player and AIR installations across all supported platforms, with particular attention to the specific version thresholds mentioned in the vulnerability description. Organizations should implement comprehensive inventory management to identify all systems running vulnerable versions and prioritize patch deployment based on risk assessment and business criticality. Network security controls including web application firewalls and content filtering systems can provide additional defense-in-depth measures by blocking known malicious Flash content and monitoring for suspicious execution patterns. The vulnerability's exploitation requires specific conditions that can be detected through behavioral monitoring, making it possible to identify potential attacks before successful exploitation occurs. Security teams should also consider implementing browser security policies that disable Flash content by default and require explicit user consent for execution, reducing the attack surface available to threat actors. Additionally, regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify any remaining vulnerable systems and ensure that all patches have been properly applied. The remediation process should include thorough testing of patched systems to ensure compatibility with existing applications while maintaining security posture against similar memory corruption vulnerabilities.