CVE-2016-6932 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-2016-6929, CVE-2016-6930, and CVE-2016-6931.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/02/2024
The CVE-2016-6932 vulnerability represents a critical use-after-free flaw in Adobe Flash Player that affected multiple versions 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 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code through unspecified vectors, making it a significant threat to system security. The vulnerability operates independently from several other related issues including CVE-2016-4272, CVE-2016-4279, CVE-2016-6921, CVE-2016-6923, CVE-2016-6925, CVE-2016-6926, CVE-2016-6927, CVE-2016-6929, CVE-2016-6930, and CVE-2016-6931, indicating a distinct attack surface that requires separate mitigation strategies.
This use-after-free vulnerability stems from improper memory management within the Flash Player runtime environment. When the application processes certain malicious content, it may free memory resources while still maintaining references to them, creating a scenario where subsequent operations can access already freed memory locations. The flaw manifests in the way Flash Player handles object references and memory deallocation, particularly when processing multimedia content or executing JavaScript code within Flash applications. The vulnerability's classification as a use-after-free aligns with CWE-416, which specifically addresses the use of freed memory in software applications. Attackers exploit this condition by crafting malicious Flash content that triggers the memory corruption, potentially leading to remote code execution.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-6932 extends beyond simple exploitation as it affects a widely deployed software component that was integral to web browsing experiences across multiple platforms. The vulnerability's presence in Flash Player versions spanning from 18.x through 23.x on Windows and OS X, combined with its Linux variant, created a substantial attack surface that security professionals had to address comprehensively. Organizations running affected versions faced significant risk of compromise through drive-by downloads, malicious websites, and targeted phishing campaigns that leveraged the Flash Player vulnerability. The attack vector typically involved users visiting compromised websites or opening malicious documents containing embedded Flash content, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where users frequently interact with untrusted web content.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-6932 required immediate action from system administrators and security teams to update Flash Player installations to patched versions. The recommended approach involved applying the security patches released by Adobe, specifically updating to versions 18.0.0.375 or later for Windows and OS X, and 23.0.0.162 or later for Windows and OS X, along with 11.2.202.635 or later for Linux systems. Organizations should also consider implementing additional security measures such as disabling Flash Player in web browsers, deploying application whitelisting policies, and monitoring network traffic for exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's characteristics align with ATT&CK technique T1203, which involves the use of malicious code to execute arbitrary commands, making it essential for security teams to implement both endpoint protection and network-based detection measures to prevent exploitation attempts.
The broader implications of CVE-2016-6932 highlight the ongoing challenges of securing multimedia applications and the importance of maintaining up-to-date software components. This vulnerability demonstrates how complex software systems like Flash Player can contain memory management flaws that provide attackers with powerful exploitation capabilities. The fact that this vulnerability affected multiple versions and platforms underscores the need for comprehensive vulnerability management programs that address not just the immediate security concerns but also the underlying architectural issues that make such vulnerabilities possible. Security professionals must understand that use-after-free conditions in runtime environments like Flash Player represent persistent threats that require continuous monitoring, patch management, and defensive measures to prevent successful exploitation attempts.