CVE-2016-4227 in Flash Player
Summary
by MITRE • 01/25/2023
Use-after-free vulnerability in 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 via unspecified vectors, a different vulnerability than CVE-2016-4173, CVE-2016-4174, CVE-2016-4222, CVE-2016-4226, CVE-2016-4228, CVE-2016-4229, CVE-2016-4230, CVE-2016-4231, and CVE-2016-4248.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/16/2024
The CVE-2016-4227 vulnerability represents a critical use-after-free flaw in Adobe Flash Player affecting multiple version ranges across different operating systems. This vulnerability exists in Flash Player versions prior to 18.0.0.366 for Windows and OS X, versions 19.x through 22.x before 22.0.0.209 for Windows and OS X, and versions prior to 11.2.202.632 for Linux. The flaw allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code through unspecified vectors, making it a significant threat to system security and user safety.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper memory management within the Flash Player runtime environment. A use-after-free condition occurs when a program continues to reference memory that has already been freed, creating opportunities for attackers to manipulate the memory layout and inject malicious code. This particular flaw demonstrates how memory corruption vulnerabilities in widely used multimedia frameworks can provide attackers with powerful exploitation primitives. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-416, which specifically addresses use-after-free conditions in software applications. The attack surface is particularly broad given Flash Player's extensive deployment across web browsers and operating systems, making it an attractive target for cybercriminals seeking to leverage zero-day exploits.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-4227 extends beyond simple code execution, as it represents a sophisticated attack vector that can lead to complete system compromise. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability can potentially gain unauthorized access to affected systems, execute malicious payloads, and establish persistent footholds within network environments. The vulnerability's presence in multiple Flash Player version streams across different platforms means that organizations with diverse computing environments face widespread exposure. Security researchers have noted that such vulnerabilities often serve as initial access points in larger attack campaigns, where the primary goal is to establish a foothold for more advanced persistent threats. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where Flash Player remains widely deployed despite its declining support status.
Organizations facing this vulnerability should prioritize immediate remediation through official Adobe security updates, as the vulnerability represents a high-severity threat that can be exploited remotely. The mitigation strategy should include comprehensive patch management programs targeting all affected Flash Player versions across supported operating systems. Additionally, network segmentation and browser hardening measures can provide additional defense-in-depth layers, though these should not replace proper patching. Security teams should also monitor for indicators of compromise related to this vulnerability and implement proper incident response procedures to address potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's classification under the ATT&CK framework would likely map to techniques involving exploitation of vulnerabilities and privilege escalation, emphasizing the need for comprehensive security monitoring and response capabilities.