CVE-2017-2987 in Flash Player
Summary
by MITRE
Adobe Flash Player versions 24.0.0.194 and earlier have an exploitable integer overflow vulnerability related to Flash Broker COM. Successful exploitation could lead to arbitrary code execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/14/2020
Adobe Flash Player contains a critical integer overflow vulnerability in its Flash Broker COM component that affects versions 24.0.0.194 and earlier. This flaw resides within the handling of integer values during COM object processing, where insufficient bounds checking allows an attacker to manipulate integer variables beyond their intended maximum limits. The vulnerability specifically impacts the Flash Broker's ability to properly manage memory allocation and data processing when interacting with COM interfaces, creating a pathway for malicious code injection.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper validation of integer parameters within the Flash Broker's COM method dispatching mechanism. When Flash Player processes certain COM method calls, it fails to adequately verify that integer values remain within acceptable ranges before performing arithmetic operations or memory allocations. This oversight enables attackers to craft specially crafted Flash content that triggers integer overflow conditions, resulting in corrupted memory structures and potential code execution privileges. The flaw operates at the intersection of software engineering practices and security controls, where standard defensive programming techniques were insufficient to prevent the overflow scenario.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass full system compromise capabilities. Successful exploitation allows attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the Flash Player process, which typically runs with the same user permissions as the victim. This presents a significant threat vector for privilege escalation attacks, particularly when Flash Player is used in conjunction with other vulnerable applications or when users maintain elevated system privileges. The vulnerability's exploitable nature means that a single malicious Flash file could potentially lead to complete system compromise without requiring additional attack vectors or user interaction beyond viewing the content.
Security professionals should implement multiple layers of defense to mitigate this vulnerability, beginning with immediate patch deployment for all affected Flash Player versions. Organizations must also consider network-level controls such as content filtering and sandboxing mechanisms to prevent execution of potentially malicious Flash content. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-190, which describes integer overflow conditions, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for scripting languages, particularly when considering how attackers might leverage Flash content as an initial compromise vector. Additionally, this vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and bounds checking in COM interfaces, reinforcing the need for comprehensive security testing of inter-process communication components. Organizations should also review their Flash Player usage policies and consider transitioning to alternative technologies that provide better security assurances and more robust memory management practices.