CVE-2016-4186 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-2016-4180, CVE-2016-4181, CVE-2016-4182, CVE-2016-4183, CVE-2016-4184, CVE-2016-4185, 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 and denial of service attacks. This vulnerability represents a distinct flaw from several other CVEs published in the same advisory cycle, specifically excluding CVE-2016-4172 through CVE-2016-4246, indicating that attackers could exploit this weakness through unspecified vectors that differ from previously identified attack surfaces. The memory corruption issue stems from improper handling of certain data structures within the Flash Player runtime environment, creating opportunities for attackers to manipulate memory contents through crafted malicious content delivered via web browsers or other Flash-enabled applications.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with common software security weaknesses documented under CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions, and CWE-787, which covers out-of-bounds write operations. These memory corruption flaws typically occur when applications fail to properly validate input data or when buffer management routines do not adequately protect against maliciously crafted payloads. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability by delivering specially crafted Flash content that, when executed by the vulnerable Flash Player, would trigger memory corruption that could be exploited to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the Flash Player process. The attack surface extends beyond simple code execution to include denial of service scenarios where the memory corruption could cause the Flash Player application to crash or become unresponsive, effectively disrupting legitimate user operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability was significant given Flash Player's widespread deployment across enterprise and consumer environments, making it a prime target for cybercriminals seeking to establish persistent access to compromised systems. Organizations running vulnerable versions faced potential exploitation through web-based attacks, where users visiting malicious websites or opening compromised email attachments could inadvertently trigger the vulnerability. The attack vectors typically involved phishing campaigns or compromised websites that delivered malicious Flash content designed to exploit the memory corruption flaw. Security researchers noted that this vulnerability was particularly dangerous because it could be exploited through web browsers without requiring user interaction beyond visiting a malicious site, making it a preferred target for automated exploitation tools and malware distribution campaigns.
Organizations should have immediately implemented mitigation strategies including mandatory updates to Adobe Flash Player versions 18.0.0.366, 22.0.0.209, or 11.2.202.632 respectively for each platform, along with browser security configurations that restricted Flash content execution. The remediation approach should have followed ATT&CK framework tactics including T1059.007 for application execution and T1190 for exploitation of remote services, emphasizing the importance of patch management and application whitelisting policies. Additional defensive measures included network segmentation to limit Flash content access, browser sandboxing configurations, and user education regarding safe browsing practices. The vulnerability highlighted the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date software components and implementing layered security approaches to protect against zero-day exploits that could compromise entire enterprise networks through a single vulnerable endpoint. Organizations should have also considered implementing web application firewalls and content filtering solutions to block known malicious Flash content while monitoring for exploitation attempts.