CVE-2017-3001 in Flash Player
Summary
by MITRE • 01/25/2023
Adobe Flash Player versions 24.0.0.221 and earlier have an exploitable use after free vulnerability related to garbage collection in the ActionScript 2 VM. Successful exploitation could lead to arbitrary code execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/25/2024
Adobe Flash Player versions 24.0.0.221 and earlier contain a critical use after free vulnerability within the ActionScript 2 virtual machine garbage collection mechanism that represents a significant security risk. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-416 category, which specifically addresses use after free conditions where memory is accessed after it has been freed, creating opportunities for attackers to manipulate program execution flow. The flaw occurs during the garbage collection process of the ActionScript 2 interpreter, where memory management routines fail to properly track object references, allowing freed memory blocks to be reallocated and accessed by malicious code.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability leverages the inherent instability of memory management in the Flash Player runtime environment. When the garbage collector prematurely frees memory objects that are still referenced elsewhere in the application, attackers can craft malicious Flash content that triggers this condition and subsequently executes arbitrary code with the privileges of the Flash Player process. This type of vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which covers scripting languages, and T1203, which involves legitimate user execution, as attackers typically need to deliver malicious SWF files to victim systems. The exploitation chain typically involves crafting a SWF file that causes the ActionScript 2 VM to free memory containing object references while maintaining active pointers to that memory location, creating a scenario where subsequent memory operations can be hijacked.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond immediate code execution capabilities to encompass complete system compromise potential. Since Flash Player runs with the privileges of the user account, successful exploitation can lead to privilege escalation, data exfiltration, and persistent backdoor installation. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish footholds in enterprise networks, particularly targeting organizations that still maintain Flash Player installations for legacy applications. The vulnerability's presence in widely deployed software versions makes it attractive to nation-state actors and advanced persistent threat groups who seek to exploit the extensive attack surface provided by legacy Flash content. Organizations using vulnerable versions face significant risk of targeted attacks, as the vulnerability can be exploited through web browsers, email attachments, or malicious websites without requiring user interaction beyond visiting compromised sites.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate action including mandatory Flash Player updates to versions 25.0.0.127 or later, which contain fixes for the garbage collection memory management issues. System administrators should implement comprehensive patch management policies specifically targeting Flash Player components and consider disabling Flash Player entirely in browser environments, as recommended by the National Security Agency and other cybersecurity organizations. Network security controls should include web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious SWF content, while endpoint protection solutions should monitor for suspicious Flash Player behavior patterns. Organizations should also conduct thorough inventory audits to identify all systems running vulnerable Flash Player versions and implement security awareness training to reduce the risk of social engineering attacks that deliver malicious Flash content. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date software components and highlights the risks associated with supporting legacy technologies in modern enterprise environments.