CVE-2017-11213 in Flash Player
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered in Adobe Flash Player 27.0.0.183 and earlier versions. This vulnerability occurs as a result of a computation that reads data that is past the end of the target buffer due to an integer overflow; the computation is part of the abstraction that creates an arbitrarily sized transparent or opaque bitmap image. The use of an invalid (out-of-range) pointer offset during access of internal data structure fields causes the vulnerability. A successful attack can lead to sensitive data exposure.
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/17/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-11213 represents a critical buffer over-read condition within Adobe Flash Player versions 27.0.0.183 and earlier. This flaw manifests during the processing of bitmap image creation operations where the software performs computations to determine buffer sizes for transparent or opaque bitmap images. The root cause lies in an integer overflow that occurs when calculating the memory requirements for these image operations, resulting in an insufficiently sized buffer allocation that cannot accommodate the intended data size.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the manipulation of integer values during the abstraction layer that handles bitmap rendering operations. When the Flash Player processes bitmap image data, it performs mathematical calculations to determine the appropriate memory allocation for storing image pixels and associated metadata. An integer overflow in these calculations causes the system to allocate a buffer that is significantly smaller than required, creating a situation where subsequent memory access operations attempt to read beyond the allocated buffer boundaries. This improper memory access pattern constitutes a classic buffer over-read vulnerability that falls under the CWE-121 category of buffer overflow conditions.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-11213 extends beyond simple memory corruption, as it creates opportunities for sensitive data exposure and potential code execution. When the out-of-bounds memory access occurs, the system may inadvertently expose memory contents that contain sensitive information such as encryption keys, user credentials, or other confidential data stored in adjacent memory locations. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for scripting languages and T1068 for exploit development, as it provides a pathway for attackers to leverage memory corruption to gain unauthorized access to system resources. The vulnerability's exploitation potential is particularly concerning given Flash Player's widespread deployment and the complex nature of bitmap processing operations that could be manipulated through crafted malicious content.
Security researchers have classified this vulnerability as a high-risk issue due to its potential for remote code execution and data leakage. The integer overflow condition creates a predictable pattern that attackers can exploit by crafting specific bitmap image data that triggers the overflow during buffer allocation. This exploitation method typically involves sending malicious Flash content through web browsers or other applications that support Flash playback, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous in web-based attack scenarios. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that Flash Player was commonly used across multiple platforms and applications, providing attackers with numerous potential attack vectors. Organizations should prioritize patching affected systems and implementing network segmentation controls to limit exposure while transitioning away from Flash-based content to more secure modern alternatives.