CVE-2016-4217 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-2016-4186, CVE-2016-4187, CVE-2016-4188, CVE-2016-4189, CVE-2016-4190, 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 • 10/04/2024
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, as well as versions before 11.2.202.632 on Linux systems, contained a critical memory corruption vulnerability that enabled remote attackers to achieve arbitrary code execution or induce denial of service conditions. This vulnerability represented a distinct threat vector from numerous other CVEs in the same year, specifically excluding CVE-2016-4172 through CVE-2016-4246, which indicates it was not a duplicate or variant of previously identified flaws. The unspecified attack vectors within this vulnerability allowed adversaries to manipulate memory structures in ways that could result in unpredictable behavior and system compromise.
The technical nature of this vulnerability falls under memory corruption patterns that are commonly classified as CWE-125, which represents out-of-bounds read conditions, or potentially CWE-787, representing out-of-bounds write conditions. These memory corruption flaws typically arise from inadequate bounds checking in memory management operations within the Flash Player runtime environment. When exploited, attackers could manipulate the application's memory layout to execute malicious code with the privileges of the Flash Player process, which typically runs with elevated permissions due to its role in handling multimedia content and web interactions. The vulnerability's impact was particularly severe because Flash Player was widely deployed across enterprise environments and consumer systems, making it an attractive target for exploitation.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability created significant risk for organizations relying on Flash Player for web content delivery, multimedia presentations, or legacy applications. The memory corruption could be triggered through various attack vectors including malformed Flash content embedded in web pages, malicious files, or crafted multimedia assets. Successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, or persistent backdoor installation, while denial of service conditions could disrupt critical business operations. The vulnerability's presence in multiple Flash Player versions across different operating systems meant that organizations needed to implement comprehensive patch management strategies to address all affected platforms.
Security professionals should recognize this vulnerability as part of the broader ATT&CK framework's technique T1059.007, which involves execution through scripting languages, particularly when Flash content is used to deliver malicious payloads. The attack surface was extensive given Flash Player's integration with web browsers and its ability to execute code in user contexts. Organizations should have implemented layered defense strategies including browser security restrictions, content filtering, and regular patching cycles. The vulnerability also highlighted the importance of maintaining up-to-date security measures for legacy software components, as Flash Player's continued use beyond its supported lifecycle created persistent security risks. Remediation efforts required immediate patch deployment and consideration of alternative multimedia delivery methods to reduce dependency on potentially vulnerable Flash-based technologies.