CVE-2016-7862 in Flash Player
Summary
by MITRE
Adobe Flash Player versions 23.0.0.205 and earlier, 11.2.202.643 and earlier have an exploitable use-after-free vulnerability. Successful exploitation could lead to arbitrary code execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/29/2022
Adobe Flash Player contains a critical use-after-free vulnerability that affects multiple versions including 23.0.0.205 and earlier, as well as 11.2.202.643 and earlier. This vulnerability stems from improper memory management where a freed memory block is still being accessed by subsequent operations, creating a predictable exploitation vector for malicious actors. The flaw exists within the player's handling of specific object references and memory allocation patterns that allow attackers to manipulate freed memory locations and redirect execution flow. The vulnerability falls under CWE-416, which specifically addresses use-after-free conditions in software implementations. When exploited, this vulnerability enables attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the Flash Player process, potentially leading to full system compromise. The attack typically involves crafting malicious Flash content that triggers the vulnerable code path, causing the application to free memory while still referencing it. This creates a scenario where attacker-controlled data can be written to the freed memory region and subsequently executed as code. The operational impact extends beyond simple code execution to include potential privilege escalation and persistence mechanisms within compromised systems. Security researchers have documented this vulnerability being actively exploited in the wild, with threat actors leveraging it to deliver malware payloads and establish backdoors. The vulnerability's exploitation requires a user to interact with malicious Flash content, making social engineering a critical component of successful attacks. Organizations running affected versions of Flash Player face significant risk due to the widespread deployment of this software across enterprise environments. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as attackers can leverage the executed code to establish further footholds. Memory corruption vulnerabilities of this nature typically require immediate patching to prevent exploitation, as they provide attackers with direct paths to system control. Adobe has released patches for affected versions, but many organizations continue to operate outdated Flash Player installations due to compatibility concerns with legacy web applications. The vulnerability demonstrates the inherent risks of complex multimedia frameworks and the challenges of maintaining secure memory management in widely deployed software. Organizations should prioritize immediate patching and consider implementing network segmentation to limit exposure while addressing legacy application dependencies that may require continued Flash support.