CVE-2017-2925 in Flash Player
Summary
by MITRE
Adobe Flash Player versions 24.0.0.186 and earlier have an exploitable memory corruption vulnerability in the JPEG XR codec. Successful exploitation could lead to arbitrary code execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/20/2025
Adobe Flash Player contained a critical memory corruption vulnerability within its JPEG XR codec implementation that affected versions 24.0.0.186 and earlier. This vulnerability stems from improper memory handling when processing specially crafted JPEG XR image files, creating a condition where an attacker could manipulate memory structures to execute arbitrary code on the target system. The flaw exists in the way Flash Player parses and decodes JPEG XR format images, specifically during the decompression process where insufficient bounds checking and memory allocation validation allows for buffer overflows and memory corruption. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-121 as a stack-based buffer overflow, which occurs when data is written beyond the allocated memory boundaries, potentially overwriting adjacent memory locations including function return addresses and control data. This type of memory corruption vulnerability is particularly dangerous in multimedia processing components where input validation is complex and input data can be highly variable. The exploitation of this vulnerability typically requires an attacker to deliver a malicious JPEG XR image file through social engineering techniques such as phishing emails or compromised websites, leveraging the widespread use of Flash Player across different operating systems and browsers. When a user opens or previews the malicious image within a vulnerable Flash Player instance, the corrupted memory execution path is triggered, allowing the attacker to gain control over the affected system. The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution as it provides attackers with the ability to install malware, modify system files, establish persistence mechanisms, and potentially escalate privileges depending on the target system configuration. Organizations running vulnerable Flash Player versions face significant risk exposure since Flash Player was commonly enabled in web browsers and applications, making it an attractive target for exploit development. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, specifically through the use of Flash Player as a delivery mechanism for malicious payloads. Security researchers noted that the vulnerability was particularly challenging to mitigate due to Flash Player's deep integration with web browsers and operating systems, requiring comprehensive patch management across multiple platforms. The remediation approach involved immediate patching of Flash Player to version 25.0.0.127 or later, which included enhanced memory validation and bounds checking within the JPEG XR codec. Organizations had to implement strict browser security policies to disable Flash content and transition to modern web standards such as HTML5 and WebAssembly to eliminate exposure to similar vulnerabilities. The incident highlighted the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date multimedia libraries and implementing defense-in-depth strategies to prevent exploitation of memory corruption vulnerabilities in widely deployed software components.