CVE-2016-1022 in Flash Player
Summary
by MITRE • 01/26/2023
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 or cause a denial of service (memory corruption) via unspecified vectors, a different vulnerability than CVE-2016-1012, CVE-2016-1020, CVE-2016-1021, CVE-2016-1023, CVE-2016-1024, CVE-2016-1025, CVE-2016-1026, CVE-2016-1027, CVE-2016-1028, CVE-2016-1029, CVE-2016-1032, and CVE-2016-1033.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/26/2023
Adobe Flash Player versions prior to specific patched releases contained a critical memory corruption vulnerability that enabled remote code execution attacks on targeted systems. This vulnerability affected multiple platform versions including Windows and macOS operating systems where Flash Player versions below 18.0.0.343 and 19.x through 21.x before 21.0.0.213 were impacted, along with Linux systems running Flash Player versions below 11.2.202.616. The flaw manifested through unspecified attack vectors that differed from related vulnerabilities within the same advisory period, indicating a distinct code path that could be exploited by malicious actors.
The technical nature of this vulnerability falls under memory corruption patterns that can lead to arbitrary code execution or denial of service conditions. Memory corruption flaws typically occur when applications fail to properly validate or manage memory operations, allowing attackers to manipulate memory contents or execution flow. This particular vulnerability exploited weaknesses in Flash Player's handling of certain data structures or processing routines, potentially enabling attackers to inject and execute malicious code within the context of the Flash Player application. The vulnerability's classification aligns with common weakness enumeration CWE-125 which describes out-of-bounds read conditions, and CWE-787 which covers out-of-bounds write operations, both of which are prevalent in memory corruption exploits.
The operational impact of this vulnerability was significant as Flash Player remained widely deployed across enterprise environments and user systems, making it an attractive target for cyber adversaries. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability through web-based delivery mechanisms, potentially compromising systems when users visited malicious websites or opened compromised Flash content. The vulnerability's potential for remote code execution meant that successful exploitation could result in complete system compromise, allowing attackers to install malware, steal sensitive data, or establish persistent access to affected networks. Organizations running vulnerable Flash Player versions faced substantial risk of targeted attacks, particularly in environments where Flash content was regularly accessed or where users had elevated privileges.
Security mitigation strategies for this vulnerability centered on immediate patch deployment and system hardening measures. Organizations were advised to prioritize updating Flash Player installations to patched versions, specifically targeting the release versions mentioned in the advisory. System administrators should have implemented application whitelisting policies to restrict Flash Player execution, particularly on systems where it was not essential for business operations. Network-based protections including web application firewalls and content filtering systems could help reduce exposure by blocking malicious Flash content. Additionally, the vulnerability highlighted the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and implementing comprehensive software inventory management to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities across the enterprise environment, aligning with security frameworks such as those recommended by the mitre attack framework and industry best practices for vulnerability management.
The exploitation of this vulnerability demonstrated the ongoing risks associated with legacy software platforms and the importance of timely patch management. Organizations that failed to update their Flash Player installations remained vulnerable to sophisticated attacks that could bypass traditional security controls. This vulnerability served as a reminder of the critical need for comprehensive security hygiene practices, including regular software updates, vulnerability assessments, and continuous monitoring of system configurations to prevent exploitation of known weaknesses in widely deployed applications.