CVE-2017-2996 in Flash Player
Summary
by MITRE
Adobe Flash Player versions 24.0.0.194 and earlier have an exploitable memory corruption vulnerability in Primetime SDK. Successful exploitation could lead to arbitrary code execution.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/14/2020
Adobe Flash Player versions 24.0.0.194 and earlier contain a critical memory corruption vulnerability within the Primetime SDK component that presents a significant security risk to affected systems. This vulnerability arises from improper handling of memory allocation and deallocation processes within the multimedia framework, creating opportunities for malicious actors to execute arbitrary code on compromised systems. The flaw exists in the way the software manages memory resources during media processing operations, specifically when handling certain media content or API calls related to the Primetime SDK functionality. Security researchers have identified that this issue stems from insufficient bounds checking and memory management controls that allow attackers to manipulate memory structures through carefully crafted input sequences. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects the core Flash Player runtime environment, which was widely deployed across enterprise and consumer systems, making it an attractive target for nation-state actors and cybercriminals seeking to establish persistent access to target networks. The memory corruption occurs during the processing of multimedia content, where the application fails to properly validate input parameters before performing memory operations, leading to potential buffer overflows or use-after-free conditions that can be exploited to gain control over the affected system's execution flow.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows patterns consistent with memory corruption attack vectors as classified under CWE-121 and CWE-122 within the Common Weakness Enumeration framework. Attackers can leverage this flaw by constructing malicious media content or API calls that trigger the vulnerable code path, potentially leading to remote code execution without requiring user interaction in many scenarios. The attack surface is broad due to Flash Player's widespread deployment and its integration with web browsers and various applications that utilize Flash multimedia capabilities. This vulnerability aligns with techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1059.007 sub-technique for command and scripting interpreter, as successful exploitation enables adversaries to execute arbitrary commands on compromised systems. The Primetime SDK component specifically handles digital rights management and media streaming functionalities, making it a critical pathway for attackers who wish to manipulate media content processing. The memory corruption vulnerability allows for potential privilege escalation and persistence mechanisms, as attackers can leverage the executed code to install backdoors, modify system configurations, or establish covert communication channels. The exploitation process typically involves crafting malicious Flash content or manipulating existing media files to trigger the memory corruption, followed by the execution of shellcode that leverages the compromised memory state to gain unauthorized system access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond immediate exploitation to encompass long-term security implications for organizations that continued using outdated Flash Player versions. Enterprise networks were particularly vulnerable due to the extensive integration of Flash-based applications and web content, creating multiple potential entry points for attackers. The vulnerability's presence in the Primetime SDK component meant that even legitimate media content could serve as a vector for exploitation, as the SDK was designed to process and validate media files from various sources. Organizations that had not updated their Flash Player installations remained at risk, as the vulnerability persisted in the software even when other security measures were in place. The memory corruption could lead to system instability, application crashes, or complete system compromise, depending on the exploitation method and target environment. Security teams faced challenges in identifying and mitigating this vulnerability due to its subtle nature and the complex integration of Flash Player components within various software ecosystems. The widespread deployment of Flash Player across multiple platforms and applications meant that remediation efforts required coordinated updates across numerous systems and software packages, creating additional operational complexity. Organizations that had not implemented proper network segmentation or application whitelisting were particularly vulnerable to lateral movement following initial exploitation, as the arbitrary code execution capability could enable attackers to pivot to other systems within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability also impacted mobile platforms that supported Flash Player, expanding the potential attack surface to include smartphones and tablets that were commonly used in enterprise environments, further complicating the security landscape for organizations seeking to maintain comprehensive protection across all their digital assets.