CVE-2016-4120 in Flash Player
Summary
by MITRE
Adobe Flash Player before 18.0.0.352 and 19.x through 21.x before 21.0.0.242 on Windows and OS X and before 11.2.202.621 on Linux allows attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (memory corruption) via unspecified vectors, a different vulnerability than CVE-2016-1096, CVE-2016-1098, CVE-2016-1099, CVE-2016-1100, CVE-2016-1102, CVE-2016-1104, CVE-2016-4109, CVE-2016-4111, CVE-2016-4112, CVE-2016-4113, CVE-2016-4114, CVE-2016-4115, CVE-2016-4160, CVE-2016-4161, CVE-2016-4162, and CVE-2016-4163.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/16/2024
Adobe Flash Player versions prior to 18.0.0.352 for Windows and OS X, and before 21.0.0.242 for 19.x through 21.x on the same platforms, as well as versions before 11.2.202.621 on Linux, contained a memory corruption vulnerability that enabled remote code execution or denial of service attacks. This vulnerability represents a critical security flaw in the multimedia framework that was widely deployed across enterprise and consumer environments. The flaw manifested through unspecified attack vectors that differed from several other CVEs published in the same timeframe, indicating a distinct code path within the Flash Player runtime. The vulnerability falls under the category of memory corruption issues that can lead to arbitrary code execution, making it particularly dangerous for targeted attacks. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability maps to CWE-119: Improper Restriction of Operations within the Bounds of a Memory Buffer, which encompasses buffer overflows and related memory corruption conditions. The attack surface for this vulnerability was extensive given Flash Player's widespread use in web browsers, making it an attractive target for threat actors seeking to exploit user systems through web-based attacks. The memory corruption aspect suggests that attackers could manipulate memory operations to execute malicious code with the privileges of the Flash Player process, potentially leading to full system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extended beyond simple denial of service scenarios, as it provided attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. This capability made the vulnerability particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where Flash Player was commonly used for business applications, training materials, and web-based services. The vulnerability's presence in multiple product versions across different operating systems demonstrated a systemic issue within the Flash Player codebase that required immediate patching. Organizations relying on Flash Player for critical applications faced significant risk exposure, as the vulnerability could be exploited through standard web browsing activities without requiring user interaction beyond visiting compromised websites. The attack vectors were not explicitly detailed in the CVE description, which is common for zero-day vulnerabilities where researchers are still analyzing the precise conditions that trigger the memory corruption. This lack of specific vector information made it challenging for security teams to assess the exact risk exposure and implement targeted mitigations. The vulnerability's classification as a memory corruption issue aligns with common attack patterns documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the technique T1059.007: Command and Scripting Interpreter: Visual Basic, which encompasses the execution of malicious code through compromised applications. The fact that the vulnerability affected multiple versions and platforms indicated a fundamental flaw in the Flash Player architecture that was not properly addressed through existing security controls.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability required immediate patching of affected Flash Player installations, as the memory corruption flaw could not be effectively mitigated through configuration changes or network-level controls. Organizations needed to implement comprehensive patch management processes to ensure all Flash Player installations were updated to versions 18.0.0.352 or later for Windows and OS X, and 21.0.0.242 or later for 19.x through 21.x on the same platforms, along with the appropriate Linux versions. The vulnerability highlighted the importance of maintaining up-to-date multimedia frameworks and the risks associated with running outdated software components that continue to receive support from vendors. Security teams needed to conduct thorough inventory assessments to identify all systems running vulnerable Flash Player versions and prioritize patching based on risk exposure and business criticality. The vulnerability also underscored the need for network segmentation and application whitelisting to limit the attack surface and prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities in other applications. Organizations should have implemented monitoring for exploitation attempts and established incident response procedures to handle potential breaches. The memory corruption aspect of the vulnerability made traditional antivirus solutions less effective, as the exploitation occurred at the application level rather than through network-based attacks. This vulnerability demonstrated the critical importance of end-of-life support for legacy software components, as the extended support period for Flash Player made it vulnerable to prolonged exploitation windows. The incident also reinforced the necessity of maintaining robust software inventory management processes and the importance of transitioning away from deprecated technologies like Flash Player to modern web standards that offer better security characteristics.