CVE-2016-4180 in Flash Player
Summary
by MITRE • 01/25/2023
Adobe Flash Player before 18.0.0.366 and 19.x through 22.x before 22.0.0.209 on Windows and OS X and before 11.2.202.632 on Linux allows attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (memory corruption) via unspecified vectors, a different vulnerability than CVE-2016-4172, CVE-2016-4175, CVE-2016-4179, CVE-2016-4181, CVE-2016-4182, CVE-2016-4183, CVE-2016-4184, CVE-2016-4185, CVE-2016-4186, CVE-2016-4187, CVE-2016-4188, CVE-2016-4189, CVE-2016-4190, CVE-2016-4217, CVE-2016-4218, CVE-2016-4219, CVE-2016-4220, CVE-2016-4221, CVE-2016-4233, CVE-2016-4234, CVE-2016-4235, CVE-2016-4236, CVE-2016-4237, CVE-2016-4238, CVE-2016-4239, CVE-2016-4240, CVE-2016-4241, CVE-2016-4242, CVE-2016-4243, CVE-2016-4244, CVE-2016-4245, and CVE-2016-4246.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/25/2023
Adobe Flash Player versions prior to 18.0.0.366 and 19.x through 22.x before 22.0.0.209 on Windows and OS X platforms, along with versions before 11.2.202.632 on Linux systems, contained a critical memory corruption vulnerability that enabled remote code execution attacks. This vulnerability represents a distinct threat vector from other related CVEs in the same timeframe, specifically excluding CVE-2016-4172 through CVE-2016-4246 which were categorized separately. The flaw manifested as a memory corruption issue that could be exploited by attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems or cause denial of service conditions. The vulnerability stemmed from improper handling of memory operations within the Flash Player runtime environment, creating potential entry points for malicious actors to gain unauthorized system access. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions, and CWE-787, which covers out-of-bounds write operations, both of which are common attack vectors in memory corruption exploits. The attack surface was particularly concerning given Flash Player's widespread deployment across enterprise environments and user systems, making it a prime target for nation-state actors and cybercriminal organizations. The vulnerability could be triggered through maliciously crafted Flash content delivered via web browsers or other applications that embedded Flash Player functionality, effectively bypassing traditional security controls. From an operational perspective, this vulnerability posed significant risk to organizations that still relied on Flash-based applications, as exploitation could lead to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and persistent backdoor access. The memory corruption aspect of the vulnerability meant that attackers could manipulate heap or stack memory locations to redirect execution flow, potentially allowing them to inject and execute malicious payloads. The remediation approach required immediate patching of Flash Player installations across all affected platforms, as the vulnerability was actively exploited in the wild during the period when it was disclosed. Organizations needed to implement comprehensive patch management strategies to ensure all Flash Player installations were updated to versions that addressed this specific memory corruption flaw. The vulnerability's classification under ATT&CK framework would fall within the T1059.007 technique category for Windows Command Shell, as exploitation could lead to command execution capabilities, and potentially T1106 for execution through legitimate system processes, given Flash Player's integration with operating system components. Security professionals had to monitor for indicators of compromise related to Flash Player exploitation attempts, including unusual network connections, memory dumps, and process creation patterns that might indicate successful exploitation of this vulnerability. The complexity of the vulnerability required specialized knowledge to understand the precise memory layout manipulation techniques needed to achieve successful exploitation, making it particularly dangerous in targeted attack scenarios where attackers possessed advanced persistent threat capabilities. Organizations that failed to patch this vulnerability risked experiencing security breaches that could result in significant financial losses, regulatory penalties, and reputational damage due to the widespread nature of Flash Player installations across their networks and user base.