CVE-2017-2934 in Flash Player
Summary
by MITRE
Adobe Flash Player versions 24.0.0.186 and earlier have an exploitable heap overflow vulnerability when parsing Adobe Texture Format files. Successful exploitation could lead to arbitrary code execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/20/2025
Adobe Flash Player versions 24.0.0.186 and earlier contain a critical heap overflow vulnerability that arises during the parsing of Adobe Texture Format files. This vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category of CWE-121, heap-based buffer overflow, where insufficient bounds checking allows an attacker to write beyond the allocated memory boundaries. The flaw occurs when the Flash Player processes malformed texture format data structures, specifically in the memory allocation and data parsing routines that handle compressed image data. The vulnerability represents a significant security risk as it can be exploited through maliciously crafted texture files delivered via web browsers or other applications that utilize Flash Player components.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to craft a specially formatted Adobe Texture Format file that triggers the heap overflow condition when processed by the vulnerable Flash Player version. The overflow occurs in the memory management routines responsible for handling texture data, where the player fails to validate the size parameters of incoming data structures before allocating memory. This allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations with controlled data, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution. The attack vector typically involves web-based delivery where users inadvertently trigger the processing of malicious texture files through Flash content, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where Flash Player remains widely deployed.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-2934 extends beyond simple code execution as it represents a sophisticated attack surface that can be leveraged for advanced persistent threats. Attackers can utilize this vulnerability to bypass modern security controls including address space layout randomization and data execution prevention mechanisms through carefully crafted payloads that manipulate the heap memory layout. The vulnerability's exploitation aligns with tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the execution and privilege escalation domains, where adversaries establish persistent access through code injection techniques. Organizations running vulnerable Flash Player versions face significant risk of compromise, particularly in environments where Flash content remains active despite its end-of-life status, creating persistent attack vectors for threat actors.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-2934 require immediate action to disable or remove Flash Player components from affected systems, as the vulnerability cannot be patched due to Flash Player reaching end-of-life status in 2020. Organizations should implement network-level controls to block Flash content delivery and conduct comprehensive inventory audits to identify all systems running vulnerable Flash Player versions. Security teams must also consider the broader implications of Flash-based attacks and implement layered defenses including web application firewalls, browser sandboxing, and user education programs to prevent exploitation through social engineering vectors. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date security controls and the dangers of continuing to support deprecated software components that pose ongoing risks to organizational security postures.