CVE-2016-6987 in Flash Player
Summary
by MITRE
Use-after-free vulnerability in Adobe Flash Player before 18.0.0.382 and 19.x through 23.x before 23.0.0.185 on Windows and OS X and before 11.2.202.637 on Linux allows attackers to execute arbitrary code via unspecified vectors, a different vulnerability than CVE-2016-6981.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/23/2022
The CVE-2016-6987 vulnerability represents a critical use-after-free flaw in Adobe Flash Player that affected multiple versions across different operating systems. This vulnerability specifically impacted Flash Player versions before 18.0.0.382 and 19.x through 23.x before 23.0.0.185 on Windows and OS X platforms, while also affecting versions before 11.2.202.637 on Linux systems. The flaw stems from improper memory management practices where freed memory blocks are still referenced by the application, creating exploitable conditions for malicious actors. This vulnerability operates as a separate issue from CVE-2016-6981, indicating distinct attack vectors and exploitation mechanisms within the Flash Player codebase.
The technical implementation of this use-after-free vulnerability occurs when Flash Player's memory management system fails to properly invalidate pointers after memory allocation is freed. Attackers can exploit this condition by crafting malicious SWF files that trigger specific memory operations, causing the application to reference deallocated memory locations. When the application attempts to access this freed memory, it can be manipulated to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the Flash Player process. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows for code execution in the context of the browser or application that hosts Flash content, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-6987 extends beyond simple code execution, as it represents a sophisticated attack vector that adversaries could leverage for advanced persistent threats. The vulnerability's presence in widely deployed Flash Player versions meant that numerous users and organizations were exposed to potential exploitation. Attackers could utilize this flaw to bypass security controls, escalate privileges, or establish persistent access to compromised systems. The use-after-free condition creates a window of opportunity where attackers can inject malicious code into the application's memory space, potentially leading to data theft, system takeover, or deployment of additional malware. This vulnerability aligns with attack patterns documented in the attack tree framework, specifically targeting the memory management layer of applications as defined by CWE-416.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily focus on immediate remediation through patching and application of Adobe's security updates. Organizations should prioritize updating Flash Player installations to versions 18.0.0.382, 23.0.0.185, or 11.2.202.637 respectively for each platform, as these versions contain the necessary memory management fixes. Additionally, implementing browser security controls such as disabling Flash Player entirely, using sandboxing mechanisms, and employing content filtering solutions can provide layered protection against exploitation attempts. Security administrators should also monitor for indicators of compromise related to this vulnerability and consider implementing network-based intrusion detection systems to identify potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's classification under CWE-416 highlights the importance of proper memory management practices in software development, emphasizing the need for comprehensive code review processes and memory safety testing methodologies.
Organizations should also consider the broader implications of this vulnerability within their security posture, as it demonstrates the persistent risks associated with legacy software components. The widespread deployment of Flash Player made this vulnerability particularly dangerous, as it required coordinated patching efforts across multiple platforms and applications. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date software components and implementing robust vulnerability management processes. The exploitation of such memory corruption vulnerabilities often aligns with the attack techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly in the execution and privilege escalation domains, making comprehensive security awareness and incident response procedures essential for organizations.