CVE-2017-11225 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 metadata functionality. 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-2017-11225 represents a critical use after free flaw within Adobe Flash Player's Primetime SDK metadata processing functionality. This issue affects Flash Player versions 27.0.0.183 and earlier, where the software fails to properly manage memory references after objects have been freed from memory. The flaw manifests when the application handles metadata within the Primetime SDK, creating a scenario where memory locations that should have been released remain accessible to malicious code. The root cause stems from improper object lifecycle management where references to freed memory are not properly invalidated or reset, allowing attackers to manipulate the memory state and potentially execute arbitrary code.
This vulnerability operates under the Common Weakness Enumeration classification of CWE-416, which specifically addresses use after free conditions in software applications. The flaw enables attackers to exploit the memory management inconsistency by triggering the metadata processing functionality in a way that causes objects to be freed while still referenced elsewhere in the application. The mismatch between old and new object references creates a window of opportunity for malicious actors to manipulate the application's memory layout. The technical implementation involves the Primetime SDK's handling of metadata structures where the application does not properly validate object references after deallocation, creating a memory access pattern that can be leveraged for exploitation.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-11225 extends beyond simple memory corruption, as it provides attackers with multiple attack vectors that can be chained together for more sophisticated exploitation. The vulnerability can lead to code corruption through memory overwrites, control-flow hijack via instruction pointer manipulation, or information leak attacks that expose sensitive memory contents. Attackers can potentially leverage this flaw to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the Flash Player process, which typically runs with the same privileges as the user. The exploitability of this vulnerability is enhanced by the widespread use of Flash Player in web browsers, making it an attractive target for cybercriminals seeking to compromise large numbers of systems through drive-by downloads or malicious web content.
From a threat modeling perspective, this vulnerability aligns with the MITRE ATT&CK framework's technique T1059.007 for command and control through Flash-based attacks. The attack surface is particularly concerning given Flash Player's integration with web browsers and its role in executing multimedia content across numerous websites. Organizations that have not updated their Flash Player installations remain vulnerable to exploitation attempts that can result in full system compromise. The vulnerability's exploitation typically requires crafting malicious SWF files that trigger the specific metadata processing path, making it less likely to be exploited through automated scanners but more dangerous when targeted against specific user populations. Security professionals should note that the use after free pattern in this vulnerability represents a well-known attack vector that has been successfully exploited in numerous other contexts, making it a particularly dangerous flaw to leave unpatched.