CVE-2016-1018 in Flash Player
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in Adobe Flash Player before 18.0.0.343 and 19.x through 21.x before 21.0.0.213 on Windows and OS X and before 11.2.202.616 on Linux allows attackers to execute arbitrary code via crafted JPEG-XR data.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/13/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-1018 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within Adobe Flash Player versions prior to specific patch releases across multiple operating systems. This vulnerability specifically affects Windows and macOS platforms where Flash Player versions before 18.0.0.343 and 19.x through 21.x before 21.0.0.213 are susceptible, while Linux systems remain vulnerable until version 11.2.202.616. The flaw manifests when the Flash Player processes crafted JPEG-XR image data, creating a condition where attacker-controlled input can overwrite adjacent memory locations on the stack. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which is classified as a fundamental memory safety issue where data written to a buffer exceeds the buffer's allocated size, potentially corrupting adjacent memory regions including return addresses and function parameters.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to craft malicious JPEG-XR image files that, when processed by the vulnerable Flash Player, trigger the buffer overflow condition. The stack-based nature of the flaw means that the overflow affects the program's execution stack, potentially allowing an attacker to overwrite the return address of the executing function. When the program attempts to return from the function, it will jump to an address controlled by the attacker rather than the legitimate next instruction, thereby enabling arbitrary code execution. This technique aligns with ATT&CK tactics that involve code injection and privilege escalation through memory corruption vulnerabilities. The attack vector leverages the widespread use of Flash Player in web browsers and the common practice of embedding multimedia content, making the exploitation particularly effective in phishing campaigns and drive-by download scenarios.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass complete system compromise when successful. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can gain full control over the victim's system, potentially leading to data theft, persistent backdoor installation, and further network reconnaissance. The widespread deployment of Flash Player across both enterprise and consumer environments amplifies the risk, as users may encounter malicious JPEG-XR content through various web-based applications, email attachments, or compromised websites. Organizations running vulnerable Flash Player versions face significant risk of targeted attacks, especially in environments where Flash content remains actively used for legacy applications. The vulnerability's persistence across multiple Flash Player versions and operating systems creates a broad attack surface that security teams must address through immediate patching and application control measures.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-1018 should prioritize immediate patching of all vulnerable Flash Player installations to the latest secure versions. Organizations should implement strict application control policies that prevent execution of Flash content in web browsers, particularly in enterprise environments where Flash is not required for business operations. Network-based security controls such as web application firewalls and content filtering systems can help detect and block malicious JPEG-XR content before it reaches vulnerable systems. Additionally, users should be educated about the risks of downloading and opening untrusted multimedia content, and system administrators should monitor for any attempts to execute Flash content on affected systems. The remediation process should also include comprehensive vulnerability scanning to identify all instances of vulnerable Flash Player installations across the organization, followed by systematic patch deployment and verification. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts, including unusual process creation patterns or network connections originating from Flash Player processes.