CVE-2016-4150 in Flash Player
Summary
by MITRE • 01/26/2023
Unspecified vulnerability in Adobe Flash Player 21.0.0.242 and earlier, as used in the Adobe Flash libraries in Microsoft Internet Explorer 10 and 11 and Microsoft Edge, has unknown impact and attack vectors, a different vulnerability than other CVEs listed in MS16-083.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/05/2024
Adobe Flash Player version 21.0.0.242 and earlier contains an unspecified vulnerability that affects Microsoft Internet Explorer 10 and 11, as well as Microsoft Edge browsers. This vulnerability exists within the Adobe Flash libraries that are integrated into these browser environments, creating a potential attack surface that differs from other vulnerabilities addressed in Microsoft Security Bulletin MS16-083. The unspecified nature of this vulnerability means that the exact technical flaw remains undisclosed, though it represents a distinct security issue from the broader class of Flash-related vulnerabilities covered in the Microsoft security update. The vulnerability impacts the core Flash Player functionality that is embedded within these browsers, potentially allowing attackers to execute malicious code or manipulate browser behavior through Flash content. This particular vulnerability requires exploitation of the Flash Player component that Microsoft browsers use to render Flash-based multimedia content, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users frequently encounter Flash content. The security implications extend beyond simple browser exploitation since the vulnerability resides in the Flash Player library that is deeply integrated into the browser architecture.
The technical flaw in this vulnerability stems from the way Adobe Flash Player handles certain data structures or memory operations within the browser environment. When users visit web pages containing malicious Flash content, the vulnerability could be triggered through improper input validation or memory corruption techniques that are characteristic of browser-based exploits. The attack vectors likely involve specially crafted Flash files that, when executed by the vulnerable Flash Player component, can lead to arbitrary code execution or privilege escalation within the browser context. This type of vulnerability aligns with common attack patterns found in browser-based exploit frameworks, where memory corruption issues in plugin components provide attackers with opportunities to gain unauthorized access to system resources. The vulnerability's presence in both Internet Explorer 10 and 11, as well as Microsoft Edge, indicates a widespread impact across Microsoft's browser ecosystem, suggesting that the underlying flaw exists in the shared Flash Player library rather than being specific to individual browser implementations. The unspecified nature of the vulnerability makes it particularly challenging for security professionals to develop targeted mitigations, as the exact technical mechanism remains unknown.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple exploitation scenarios and represents a significant risk to enterprise environments where users regularly interact with Flash-based content. Organizations that have not updated their Flash Player installations remain exposed to potential attacks that could compromise user systems and potentially lead to broader network infiltration. The vulnerability's presence in Microsoft Edge, which was a newer browser at the time of the vulnerability disclosure, indicates that even modern browser implementations were susceptible to Flash-based attacks. This situation demonstrates the inherent risks associated with browser plugin integration, where third-party components can introduce security weaknesses that affect the entire browser ecosystem. The vulnerability could potentially enable attackers to bypass security controls, execute malicious payloads, or establish persistent access to compromised systems. The impact is particularly severe in enterprise environments where users may encounter Flash content through corporate web applications, training materials, or legacy systems that continue to rely on Flash technology for functionality. Security teams must consider this vulnerability as part of their broader threat landscape assessment, particularly in environments where Flash content remains prevalent.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily focus on immediate remediation through software updates and browser configuration changes. The most effective approach involves updating Adobe Flash Player to versions that address the specific vulnerability, though the unspecified nature of the flaw means that security updates may not be immediately available or fully disclosed. Organizations should implement browser security policies that restrict Flash content execution or disable Flash entirely where possible, particularly in environments where the risk of exploitation is high. Security professionals should consider implementing network-based controls such as web application firewalls or content filtering systems that can detect and block potentially malicious Flash content. The vulnerability's presence in Microsoft Edge also necessitates consideration of browser-specific security configurations that can limit Flash functionality or require explicit user consent before executing Flash content. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability would likely fall under categories related to memory corruption or improper input validation, though the exact CWE mapping cannot be definitively determined without further technical analysis. From an ATT&CK perspective, this vulnerability could map to techniques involving exploitation of known vulnerabilities, privilege escalation, or execution through browser plugins, making it a significant concern for organizations implementing comprehensive threat detection strategies. Regular vulnerability scanning and patch management processes should include verification that Flash Player components are updated and that browser security configurations properly restrict Flash content execution.