CVE-2016-4224 in Flash Player
Summary
by MITRE • 01/26/2023
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 by leveraging an unspecified "type confusion," a different vulnerability than CVE-2016-4223 and CVE-2016-4225.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/26/2026
This vulnerability affects Adobe Flash Player versions prior to specific patches across multiple operating systems including Windows, OS X, and Linux platforms. The flaw manifests as a type confusion issue that enables remote code execution when exploited by attackers. Type confusion vulnerabilities occur when software incorrectly handles data types during program execution, leading to unpredictable behavior that can be leveraged for malicious purposes. This particular vulnerability differs from previously identified issues such as CVE-2016-4223 and CVE-2016-4225, indicating a distinct code path or implementation flaw within the Flash Player runtime environment.
The technical exploitation of this type confusion vulnerability allows attackers to manipulate memory operations through crafted Flash content that appears legitimate to end users. When Flash Player processes maliciously constructed multimedia content, the improper handling of data types causes the application to execute unintended code sequences with elevated privileges. This occurs because the software fails to properly validate or sanitize input parameters that should maintain consistent data type integrity throughout execution. Such vulnerabilities typically arise from insufficient bounds checking, improper memory management, or inadequate type validation mechanisms within the Flash Player's ActionScript interpreter and underlying runtime components.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends across multiple platforms and versions, making it particularly dangerous for organizations with diverse computing environments. Attackers can deploy malicious Flash content through various delivery vectors including compromised websites, email attachments, or social engineering campaigns that trick users into executing harmful payloads. The vulnerability's presence in both Windows and OS X operating systems indicates a widespread attack surface that affects desktop environments where Flash Player remains active. Additionally, the Linux version vulnerability demonstrates that the flaw is not platform-specific but rather resides within the core Flash Player runtime architecture.
Organizations should prioritize immediate patching of affected Flash Player installations to mitigate this risk, as no reliable workarounds exist for this type confusion vulnerability. The remediation process requires careful coordination across enterprise environments to ensure all instances of vulnerable Flash Player versions are updated to patched releases. Security teams must also implement network monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts and consider disabling Flash Player execution in browsers where possible. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203 by enabling initial access through malicious content delivery, while the type confusion aspect relates to CWE-128 which addresses improper handling of data types in memory operations.
System administrators should conduct comprehensive inventory assessments to identify all installations of affected Flash Player versions across their networks and prioritize remediation efforts based on risk exposure levels. The vulnerability's potential for remote code execution makes it particularly attractive to threat actors seeking persistent access to target systems, emphasizing the importance of timely patch management procedures. Organizations lacking automated patch deployment mechanisms should implement urgent measures to ensure all endpoints receive security updates promptly. Furthermore, security awareness training programs should educate users about the dangers of executing untrusted Flash content and the importance of maintaining updated software versions to prevent exploitation attempts.
The vulnerability demonstrates how legacy multimedia technologies can present significant security risks when not properly maintained with regular security updates. Adobe's release of patched versions for all affected platforms indicates a clear understanding of the severity threat, as evidenced by the specific version numbers provided in the vulnerability description. Security professionals should monitor for related vulnerabilities that may emerge from similar type confusion patterns within other Adobe products or third-party applications that utilize Flash Player components. The distinction from CVE-2016-4223 and CVE-2016-4225 suggests this represents a unique exploitation pathway that requires specific patching measures rather than generic security hardening approaches.