CVE-2016-7865 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 type confusion 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 type confusion vulnerability that affects multiple versions including 23.0.0.205 and earlier, as well as 11.2.202.643 and earlier releases. This vulnerability resides in the player's handling of object types during runtime execution, where the software fails to properly validate type information when processing maliciously crafted flash content. The flaw manifests when the player encounters objects that are manipulated to appear as one type while actually containing data structured as another type, creating a scenario where memory operations can be incorrectly directed.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-476, which describes NULL pointer dereference conditions that can occur when type confusion allows attackers to manipulate object references. Attackers can exploit this by crafting specially designed flash files that trigger the type confusion during object instantiation or method invocation. When the Flash Player attempts to execute operations on these improperly typed objects, it can cause memory corruption that leads to arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability specifically impacts the player's ActionScript runtime environment where object type checking is insufficient to prevent malicious type manipulation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it provides attackers with a reliable path to achieve remote code execution on vulnerable systems. An attacker can deliver malicious flash content through web browsers or other applications that embed Flash Player, requiring no additional privileges or user interaction beyond visiting a compromised website. Once exploited, the vulnerability allows complete system compromise, enabling attackers to install malware, steal sensitive data, or establish persistent access to the affected system. The widespread adoption of Flash Player across various operating systems and browsers amplifies the potential attack surface significantly.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include immediate patching of all affected Flash Player versions to the latest available releases from Adobe. Organizations should implement browser security measures such as disabling Flash Player entirely or restricting its execution through content security policies. Network-level protections can be deployed using intrusion detection systems to monitor for known malicious flash content patterns. Additionally, security teams should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all systems running vulnerable Flash Player versions and ensure proper patch management processes are in place. The remediation efforts should follow industry standards such as those outlined in the mitre ATT&CK framework under the execution and privilege escalation techniques, particularly focusing on preventing malicious code execution through browser-based attack vectors.