CVE-2016-6929 in Flash Player
Summary
by MITRE
Use-after-free vulnerability 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, a different vulnerability than CVE-2016-4272, CVE-2016-4279, CVE-2016-6921, CVE-2016-6923, CVE-2016-6925, CVE-2016-6926, CVE-2016-6927, CVE-2016-6930, CVE-2016-6931, and CVE-2016-6932.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/02/2024
The CVE-2016-6929 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 18.0.0.375 for Windows and OS X, versions before 23.0.0.162 for Windows and OS X, and versions before 11.2.202.635 for Linux. The flaw falls under the common weakness enumeration CWE-416, which specifically addresses use-after-free conditions where memory is accessed after it has been freed, creating potential exploitation opportunities for malicious actors. The vulnerability operates through unspecified attack vectors that differ from several other related Flash Player vulnerabilities including CVE-2016-4272 through CVE-2016-6932, indicating this represents a distinct threat model within the broader Flash Player attack surface.
The technical exploitation of this use-after-free vulnerability enables remote code execution attacks that can be initiated through malicious Flash content delivered via web browsers or other Flash-enabled applications. When a vulnerable Flash Player processes malicious content, the application allocates memory for certain objects and subsequently frees that memory without properly nullifying references. Attackers can manipulate the execution flow to reuse this freed memory, potentially overwriting critical data structures or function pointers to redirect execution to malicious code. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be triggered through web browsing activities without requiring any local privileges or user interaction beyond visiting a compromised website. The attack pattern aligns with techniques described in the attack tree framework where attackers leverage memory corruption vulnerabilities to achieve arbitrary code execution.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-6929 extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it provides attackers with complete system compromise capabilities. Once successfully exploited, adversaries can execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the Flash Player process, which typically runs with the same privileges as the user who launched the browser. This vulnerability affects a wide range of systems since Flash Player was widely deployed across different platforms and applications, making it an attractive target for mass exploitation campaigns. The vulnerability's presence in multiple version ranges and operating systems increases the potential attack surface significantly. Organizations relying on Flash Player for legitimate business functions face substantial risk, as the exploitation can occur through standard web browsing activities without user awareness, making detection and prevention particularly challenging.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-6929 should prioritize immediate patching of affected Adobe Flash Player versions, as this represents the most effective defense against exploitation. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management processes to ensure all Flash Player installations are updated to versions that contain the necessary security fixes. Network-based defenses including web application firewalls and content filtering solutions can provide additional layers of protection by blocking malicious Flash content before it reaches vulnerable systems. Security teams should also consider implementing browser sandboxing technologies and privilege separation techniques to limit the potential impact if exploitation occurs. Additionally, the principle of least privilege should be enforced by disabling Flash Player in web browsers where it is not required for business operations. The vulnerability's classification under CWE-416 emphasizes the importance of proper memory management practices in software development, making code reviews and static analysis tools essential for identifying similar issues in other applications. Organizations should also monitor for indicators of compromise related to this vulnerability and maintain updated threat intelligence feeds to detect potential exploitation attempts.