CVE-2017-2994 in Flash Player
Summary
by MITRE
Adobe Flash Player versions 24.0.0.194 and earlier have an exploitable use after free vulnerability in Primetime SDK event dispatch. Successful exploitation could lead to arbitrary code execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/14/2020
Adobe Flash Player contained a critical use after free vulnerability in its Primetime SDK event dispatch mechanism that affected versions 24.0.0.194 and earlier. This vulnerability arises from improper memory management where a program continues to reference memory locations after they have been freed, creating a predictable exploitation surface for attackers. The flaw exists within the multimedia framework's handling of event objects during content playback, specifically when processing media events from the Primetime SDK which is used for digital rights management and video content protection. When an attacker crafts malicious Flash content that triggers specific event sequences, the application fails to properly validate memory references, allowing for the execution of arbitrary code with the privileges of the Flash Player process. This vulnerability represents a classic use after free condition that aligns with CWE-416, which describes the reuse of memory after it has been freed, and can be leveraged by threat actors to execute remote code on vulnerable systems. The attack surface is particularly concerning given Flash Player's widespread deployment across enterprise environments and end-user systems, making it an attractive target for exploit development. The vulnerability allows attackers to bypass security controls and execute malicious payloads without requiring user interaction beyond visiting a compromised website or opening a malicious Flash file. Organizations running affected versions of Adobe Flash Player face significant risk of compromise, as this flaw can be exploited through web browsers or any application that embeds Flash Player functionality. The exploitability of this vulnerability is enhanced by the fact that Flash Player was commonly enabled by default in web browsers, providing attackers with multiple potential entry points. Security researchers have noted that such use after free vulnerabilities are particularly dangerous because they can be chained with other exploits to achieve privilege escalation or persistent access. The impact extends beyond immediate code execution to include potential data breaches, system compromise, and lateral movement within networks where vulnerable systems exist. This vulnerability underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date software and implementing robust patch management procedures to protect against known exploits. Organizations should consider implementing network segmentation, browser security controls, and application whitelisting to reduce the attack surface and limit potential exploitation. The remediation requires immediate deployment of Adobe's security patches and complete removal of Flash Player from systems where it is not essential for business operations. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical need for regular security assessments and proactive vulnerability management to address flaws in widely deployed software components that can serve as initial access vectors for sophisticated attacks.