CVE-2017-2985 in Flash Player
Summary
by MITRE
Adobe Flash Player versions 24.0.0.194 and earlier have an exploitable use after free vulnerability in the ActionScript 3 BitmapData class. Successful exploitation could lead to arbitrary code execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/01/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-2985 represents a critical use after free flaw within Adobe Flash Player's ActionScript 3 BitmapData class implementation. This vulnerability affects Flash Player versions 24.0.0.194 and earlier, making it a significant threat to systems running these outdated versions. The issue stems from improper memory management within the BitmapData class, which is a fundamental component for handling bitmap graphics in Flash applications. When the Flash Player processes certain BitmapData operations, it fails to properly validate memory references after objects have been freed, creating opportunities for attackers to manipulate memory layout and execute malicious code.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability involves leveraging the use after free condition to overwrite critical memory structures or function pointers within the Flash Player runtime environment. Attackers can craft malicious Flash content that triggers the vulnerable code path, causing the application to access freed memory locations and potentially redirect execution flow to attacker-controlled code. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-416 category, which specifically addresses Use After Free conditions, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter usage. The vulnerability's exploitation requires careful crafting of Flash content that can trigger the specific memory management flaw within the BitmapData class implementation, making it particularly dangerous in targeted attacks.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-2985 extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with a pathway to establish persistent access to compromised systems. Successful exploitation allows adversaries to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the Flash Player process, which typically runs with the same privileges as the user who launched the application. This vulnerability has been actively exploited in the wild, particularly in targeted attacks against high-value targets in government, financial, and defense sectors. The widespread use of Flash Player across enterprise environments and the difficulty in patching legacy systems has made this vulnerability particularly dangerous, as organizations often maintain older Flash versions for compatibility reasons while remaining vulnerable to such attacks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-2985 require immediate action to disable or remove Flash Player from affected systems, as Adobe has ceased support for Flash Player and no longer provides security updates for vulnerable versions. Organizations should implement network-based controls to block Flash content delivery and disable Flash plugin execution in web browsers. The recommended remediation includes comprehensive patching of all systems running vulnerable Flash Player versions, though this process often requires careful planning due to compatibility issues with legacy applications. Security teams should also implement monitoring for suspicious Flash content delivery and consider implementing sandboxing mechanisms to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations should conduct thorough inventory assessments to identify all systems running vulnerable Flash Player versions and develop a timeline for complete removal of Flash Player from their environments, as the vulnerability represents a persistent threat that continues to be exploited in advanced persistent threat campaigns.