CVE-2017-11215 in Flash Player
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered in Adobe Flash Player 27.0.0.183 and earlier versions. This vulnerability is an instance of a use after free vulnerability in the Primetime SDK. The mismatch between an old and a new object can provide an attacker with unintended memory access -- potentially leading to code corruption, control-flow hijack, or an information leak attack. Successful exploitation could lead to arbitrary code execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/17/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-11215 represents a critical use after free flaw within Adobe Flash Player's Primetime SDK component, affecting versions 27.0.0.183 and earlier. This type of vulnerability occurs when a program continues to reference memory that has already been freed, creating a dangerous state where attackers can manipulate the memory layout to execute malicious code. The flaw specifically manifests in the handling of objects within the SDK, where the system fails to properly manage object lifecycles, leading to a scenario where freed memory can be reused before proper validation occurs. The vulnerability falls under CWE-416, which specifically addresses use after free conditions in software systems.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability involves an attacker constructing malicious Flash content that triggers the improper object management within the Primetime SDK. When the SDK processes certain media content, it creates objects that are subsequently freed but not properly validated before reuse. This mismatch between old and new objects in memory allows attackers to overwrite freed memory locations with controlled data, potentially redirecting execution flow or corrupting critical program state. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the widespread use of Flash Player across various platforms, making it an attractive target for attackers seeking to compromise user systems through drive-by downloads or malicious web content.
The operational implications of CVE-2017-11215 extend beyond simple code execution, as the vulnerability can be leveraged for sophisticated attack vectors including information disclosure and system compromise. Attackers can exploit this flaw to gain unauthorized access to system resources, potentially leading to full system compromise or data exfiltration. The vulnerability's characteristics align with ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which covers the use of scripting languages like ActionScript for malicious purposes, and T1203, which involves legitimate programs being used for code execution. The use after free condition creates a memory corruption scenario that can be exploited through the standard exploitation techniques of control flow hijacking and arbitrary code execution.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-11215 focus primarily on immediate remediation through Adobe's security patches and updates, as the vulnerability requires a complete fix in the Flash Player implementation. Organizations should implement immediate patch management procedures to upgrade to Flash Player versions 28.0.0.137 or later, which contain the necessary fixes for this use after free vulnerability. Additionally, network-level defenses should include web application firewalls and content filtering systems that can detect and block malicious Flash content. Security teams should also consider implementing browser security measures such as disabling Flash plugin execution entirely, as Flash Player has been deprecated and is no longer supported by Adobe. The vulnerability's exploitation requires user interaction through web browsers, making user education and awareness programs essential components of a comprehensive defense strategy. Organizations should also monitor for indicators of compromise related to Flash-based attacks and implement robust endpoint detection and response capabilities to identify potential exploitation attempts.