CVE-2016-4287 in Flash Player
Summary
by MITRE
Integer overflow in Adobe Flash Player before 18.0.0.375 and 19.x through 23.x before 23.0.0.162 on Windows and OS X and before 11.2.202.635 on Linux allows attackers to execute arbitrary code via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/16/2019
Adobe Flash Player suffered from a critical integer overflow vulnerability that affected multiple versions across different operating systems. This flaw existed in Flash Player versions prior to 18.0.0.375 and 19.x through 23.x before 23.0.0.162 on Windows and OS X, as well as versions before 11.2.202.635 on Linux. The vulnerability stemmed from improper handling of integer values during memory allocation operations, creating conditions where attackers could manipulate integer calculations to overflow and subsequently execute arbitrary code on affected systems.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-190, which describes integer overflow conditions that can lead to memory corruption and arbitrary code execution. Attackers exploited this flaw through unspecified vectors that likely involved crafted Flash content or malicious web pages designed to trigger the overflow condition when the vulnerable Flash Player processed specific data structures. The integer overflow occurred during memory management operations where calculations exceeded the maximum representable value for the integer type, resulting in unexpected behavior that could be leveraged for code execution.
This vulnerability posed significant operational risks to organizations relying on Flash Player for web content delivery, as it could be exploited through standard web browsing activities without requiring user interaction beyond visiting malicious websites. The impact extended across multiple platforms and version ranges, making it particularly dangerous as it affected both older and newer versions of the software. Organizations experienced potential compromise of user systems, data theft, and possible lateral movement within network environments where Flash Player was installed.
Mitigation strategies required immediate patching of affected Flash Player installations to versions 18.0.0.375 and 23.0.0.162 or later, along with 11.2.202.635 for Linux systems. Security administrators should have implemented network-based protections such as web application firewalls and content filtering to block malicious Flash content. The vulnerability highlighted the importance of maintaining up-to-date software and implementing defense-in-depth strategies, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for execution through Flash Player and T1203 for exploitation of web applications. Organizations also needed to consider disabling Flash Player entirely where possible, as the vulnerability demonstrated the persistent security risks associated with legacy multimedia technologies.