CVE-2016-7872 in Flash Player
Summary
by MITRE
Adobe Flash Player versions 23.0.0.207 and earlier, 11.2.202.644 and earlier have an exploitable use after free vulnerability in the MovieClip class related to objects at multiple presentation levels. Successful exploitation could lead to arbitrary code execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/08/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-7872 represents a critical use after free flaw in Adobe Flash Player affecting multiple version ranges including 23.0.0.207 and earlier, as well as 11.2.202.644 and earlier. This vulnerability specifically targets the MovieClip class within the Flash Player runtime environment, creating a scenario where memory that has been freed is subsequently accessed by malicious code. The flaw occurs in the context of objects operating at multiple presentation levels, which indicates the complexity of the memory management issue within Flash Player's rendering pipeline. Such vulnerabilities are particularly dangerous because they can be exploited to execute arbitrary code on vulnerable systems without requiring user interaction, making them prime targets for attackers seeking to compromise user devices through web-based attacks.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper memory management within Flash Player's MovieClip implementation, where objects that have been destroyed or freed from memory are still being referenced or accessed by subsequent operations. This use after free condition creates a memory corruption scenario that attackers can leverage to overwrite critical memory locations or inject malicious code into the running Flash Player process. The multi-presentation level aspect of the vulnerability suggests that the flaw manifests when Flash Player attempts to manage and render objects across different visual layers or contexts, potentially involving complex object hierarchies and reference counting mechanisms that fail to properly track object lifecycle management.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-7872 extends beyond simple code execution capabilities as it represents a significant threat vector for attackers seeking to compromise systems through web-based delivery methods. When exploited successfully, this vulnerability allows adversaries to gain full control over the affected system, potentially enabling them to install malware, steal sensitive data, or establish persistent backdoors. The vulnerability's exploitation typically occurs through malicious web content that triggers the specific conditions leading to memory corruption, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users frequently visit untrusted websites or encounter malicious advertisements. This type of vulnerability is classified under CWE-416 as use after free conditions and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as successful exploitation often involves executing malicious code within the Flash Player environment.
Organizations and security professionals should prioritize immediate remediation of this vulnerability through the deployment of Adobe's security patches and updates, as the risk of exploitation remains high due to the widespread use of Flash Player in enterprise environments. The vulnerability demonstrates the inherent dangers of legacy software components and underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches across all systems. Additionally, network administrators should consider implementing web filtering controls and browser security measures that can block Flash content or restrict access to potentially malicious Flash-based applications. The incident highlights the critical need for organizations to maintain comprehensive vulnerability management programs that can quickly identify and remediate such critical flaws across their IT infrastructure.