CVE-2016-7880 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 when setting the length property of an array object. Successful exploitation could lead to arbitrary code execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/08/2022
Adobe Flash Player contains a critical use after free vulnerability in its array handling mechanisms that affects versions 23.0.0.207 and earlier, as well as 11.2.202.644 and earlier. This vulnerability arises when the software processes the length property of an array object, creating a scenario where memory previously allocated to an array element is freed but subsequently accessed by the application. The flaw represents a classic use after free condition that falls under CWE-416, where memory is deallocated and then referenced, creating opportunities for malicious code execution. The vulnerability occurs during the manipulation of array objects where the software does not properly validate or manage the memory lifecycle when changing array length properties.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability allows attackers to manipulate the memory state of the Flash Player application through carefully crafted array operations that trigger the use after free condition. When an attacker sets the length property of an array to a specific value, the software may free memory associated with array elements that are then accessed during subsequent operations. This memory corruption can be leveraged to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the Flash Player process, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because Flash Player runs with elevated privileges in most environments, making successful exploitation a severe security risk.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it can be used to establish persistent access to affected systems. Attackers can leverage the use after free condition to inject malicious code that persists across system reboots, potentially enabling data exfiltration, privilege escalation, or the installation of additional malware. The vulnerability affects a wide range of systems that rely on Flash Player for web content delivery, including desktop operating systems and enterprise environments where Flash Player remains actively deployed. Organizations running affected versions of Flash Player face significant risk of exploitation, particularly in environments where users frequently visit untrusted websites or receive email attachments containing malicious Flash content.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include immediate patching of Flash Player installations to versions that address the memory management issues in array handling. Organizations should implement strict software update policies to ensure all Flash Player installations are current with the latest security patches. Additionally, network segmentation and browser security controls can help limit the potential impact of exploitation by restricting Flash Player functionality or blocking Flash content entirely. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and script interpreter, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to execute malicious commands through the compromised Flash Player process. Security teams should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies that prevent execution of untrusted Flash content and monitor for suspicious memory access patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts.